LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Parents and students who attend a Las Vegas high school packed the Clark County School District Board of Trustees meeting to share serious complaints about the school’s principal.
Students and parents who signed up to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting took turns at the podium explaining their concerns about Clark High School’s new principal Antonio Rael.
One group of students were both poised and passionate. They did not hold back in telling the trustees how they feel about Rael.
"Although you Mister Rael may be the leader of Clark High School, you are not the most important person at the school, “ said Kirsten Calma, reading from a letter sent in from a former student. “The most important person at the school is the student!"
Parents held signs calling for Rael's firing. Parents and students alike said Rael’s management style is abrasive and alienating.
Steven Mason has a 10th grader at the school.
“About 70 of the teachers are planning on leaving by the end of next year or the semester,” said Mason. “And the reason they are planning on leaving is that they cannot stand his regime. He basically has a totalitarian mentality. My way or the highway!"
“Since August of this year Clark High School no longer feels like a safe haven,” said Junior Isha Shaw. “It no longer feels like a family. "
One parent said the changes have undermined the school’s magnet program.
"This is destructive to the program,” said John Chang.” If you bring in students who are unable to achieve, this would be like bringing people into LVA without an audition or putting people on a sports team without a tryout."
Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara said Monday a team will be at the school talking confidentially with staff about their concerns.
“I want you to know at least for my office, and I know that this board feels the same way, that we certainly do not want the reputation of Clark High School to go in the direction its going,” he said. “And we are going to address that.”
13 Action News attempted to reach Rael for comment and have not heard back.
