LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — School is back in session for thousands of Clark County School District students and teachers. As virtual classes start up, the first day of school looks drastically different for many CCSD support staff members.
David Gomez is president of the Nevada Peace Alliance, a nonprofit advocacy group that represents support staff employees like bus drivers.
They are the backbone of our entire unit,” Gomez said. “Those staff members have expressed to me that they’re in the dark. They don’t know exactly what’s going to happen.”
RELATED: CCSD bus drivers will still have job for 2020-21 school year
Some CCSD bus drivers have been helping at the call center for Connecting Kids Nevada. Others will drive school buses with WiFi hot spots around the valley to keep students in need protected.
The CCSD custodial staff is reportedly still heading to campus for their duties. Gomez says they’re cleaning up after staff members rather than students.
Food service employees will distribute meals for students in need Monday through Friday.
CCSD police will continue to patrol 356 school properties, but shift focus to keep staff and students safe at food distribution sites and WiFi hot spots.
“We’re still responding to some crimes on campus, but nowhere near what we usually do because if kids aren’t at the campus they can’t fight,” said Sgt. Bryan Zink, public information officer with the CCSD Police Department.
RELATED: All CCSD students will distance learn full-time for start of the school year
Sgt. Zink says the department is anticipating large groups of students gathering at local restaurants or parks.
“Kids should be at home doing their online learning. We are prepared to work with our local partners to keep the kids at home during those hours to get the education that they need,” Sgt. Zink added.
Officers will also spend more time training with an emphasis on crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and mental health.
