CLARK COUNTY (KTNV) — Nearly 322,000 Clark County School District students went back to school on August 12, an official count will be released in early October.
Superintendent Jesus Jara says it was a "great first day" with only a few minor bumps.
Almost all school buses were on time. Silvestri Jr. High School had air conditioning issues, which were fixed within hours.
Some students had substitute teachers on their first day.
97% of school buses dropped off students on time.
"3% of our buses were delayed due to traffic. Obviously, everyone getting on the road and work. We had one bus break down and a bus that had a minor incident," Jara says.
About 50 new school bus drivers have been hired and are in the final steps of the application process. They'll hit the road as soon as training is done, but Jara says there is still room for more.
"If you want to drive a bus go to CCSD.net and sign up. You don't need a CDL [commercial driver's license]. We'll train you."
As recruitment continues to be a problem for the district, the superintendent tells 13 Action News the district is working diligently to make sure all teacher vacancies are filled soon.
"[We're] at 95% but it's still something that we continue to work on."
That means some students were greeted by a substitute teacher.
Four full-time CCSD recruiters have the job of convincing 750 more teachers that CCSD is a great place to move to.
"We're trying to tell people this is a great place for you to live, this is a great place for you to raise a family," says Tya Mathis- Coleman.
Vacancies exist in high need areas; special education, elementary, math, and science until the district can hire enough licensed teachers.
"We may have a long term substitute in your son or daughter's classroom," says Mathis- Coleman.
"It's something that we certainly have a high sense of urgency because our children deserve nothing but the best," Jara says.
