LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Thousands of Clark County teachers continue to wait and see what will happen next with their salary expectations.
Following Saturday's meeting, the teacher's union voted to implement "work actions." That means teachers will only work the contracted seven hours and eleven minutes in the school day.
HOW WE GOT HERE: A recap of the ongoing contract negotiations between the teachers' union and CCSD
The union's executive director says they are asking Governor Joe Lombardo to intervene to see if Senate Bill 231 funds are being used properly.
"We are saying, 'governor, you should come down here and see whether or not that investment has any accountability attached to it,' because we believe there is a disconnect," said the executive director of the Clark County Education Association, John Vellardita.
SB 231 was approved by Nevada lawmakers for salary increases.
The district responded to CCEA's request in a statement, explaining they welcome the governor to see their proposals are "fair and financially responsible."
The union has asked CCSD for a 10 percent salary increase in year one of the contract and an 8 percent increase in year two. The district put out two offers, with the most recent being an 8.5 percent increase in salary in the first year and a 2 percent bump in the second year.
IMPACT: Parents, students also watching, waiting as the district's stalemate with CCEA drags on
"It is reflective of a statewide problem right now. We have a crisis of vacancies, and it is not being addressed. The governor and the legislature passed money to address that, and it is not happening," Vellardita said. "So we are asking for that intervention."
Vellardita expects to hear from the governor this week. Lombardo did provide a statement regarding the dispute:
“After providing record funding for education in Clark County, it’s disappointing that negotiations between CCSD and CCEA have been unsuccessful so far. While I’ve always believed collective bargaining should be handled at the local level, I’m eager to help resolve this conflict in a way that best serves the children of Clark County.”
On Wednesday, CCSD stated that Dr. Jesus Jara shared the district's proposal with Lombardo.
“Since before his election, Superintendent Jara has had a cordial and productive relationship with Governor Lombardo to ensure resources are provided for students to succeed academically and for our educators who deserve proper compensation.," CCSD said. "Today, Superintendent Jara shared the District’s fair, equitable, and financially responsible proposal to CCEA with Governor Lombardo. Superintendent Jara looks forward to further conversations with the governor in the future.”
