Teachers Advocate for Fair Contracts Amidst Rally at Arbor View High School

LAS VEGAS – On the bustling first day of school, a group of passionate educators took to the streets outside Arbor View High School to shed light on an ongoing concern – the absence of a contract between teachers and the Clark County School District (CCSD). Holding banners and voicing their grievances, teachers demanded fair treatment and recognition for their dedicated service to education.

Among those rallying was Theatre and Film Studies teacher David Kelley, who expressed his frustration, saying, “I’m tired of working for peanuts for the school district, 24 years. And they’ve approved all the other contracts and not ours, and it’s ridiculous.” Kelley emphasized the vital role of extracurricular activities in students’ lives and pointed out that he and his fellow educators often work tirelessly after school hours to contribute to students’ growth and learning experiences.

The rally aimed to bring attention to the challenges faced by educators who are not compensated for their additional efforts outside regular classroom hours. Kelley explained, “If I’m not in there after school every day, they can’t perform their extracurricular activities, the reason they come to school. A lot of the reason these kids come to school is for the electives here.”

While the rally resonated with the teachers’ concerns, CCSD Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara acknowledged that negotiations are still ongoing. Dr. Jara expressed the district’s willingness to engage in meaningful discussions but also urged both parties to come to the bargaining table to address the issues at hand. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on student learning during this critical time.

To parents concerned about the impact of the rally on their children’s education, Dr. Jara assured them of the district’s commitment to providing quality education. He shared an example from his recent visit to an elementary school, where he witnessed a dedicated teacher preparing her classroom with excitement and enthusiasm to welcome students.

Teachers are advocating for a range of improvements, including a 10% raise in the first year, 8% in the second year, increased compensation for teachers at Title One schools, and improved healthcare benefits. The push for fair contracts is being led by the Clark County Education Association (CCEA), the union representing teachers. CCEA officials announced plans for numerous rallies across schools within the district over the next couple of weeks, indicating a strong commitment to addressing teachers’ concerns and advocating for positive change in the education system.

Credits: Fox 5 Vegas