LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Clark County Education Association and Clark County School District are back at the bargaining table Wednesday, but this time they'll have a mediator to help navigate negotiations.
Meanwhile, teachers and students continue to rally outside school campuses across the Las Vegas valley.
Dozens of students and teachers held signs and chanted outside Spring Valley High School Wednesday morning.
“Honor our contracts, honor our students”
— Kelsey McFarland (@KelseyMarie_TV) August 28, 2019
“It’s raining, it’s pouring, the school board is snoring”
Spring Valley HS teachers and students are gathered on Buffalo this morning. The teachers union & CCSD meeting again today- this time they’ll have a mediator @KTNV pic.twitter.com/hv2dYjfcxR
Spring Valley teachers, basketball coach, and athletic director Billy Hemberger says they've rallied for three days straight. He says he's worried that the school district will lose valuable teachers who care about their students.
UPDATE: CCSD Supt. Dr. Jesus Jara and CCEA speak out about mediation process
"It's not a matter of us asking for more, it's a matter of asking what was promised of us just like they expect us to do in the classroom. If they want us to be effective leaders and motivate these kids, why would leadership not do the same for us?" Hemberger said.
The Clark County School District sent the following on Wednesday afternoon:
On August 27, 2019, the Education Support Employees Association (ESEA) met with the Clark County School District (CCSD) to continue negotiations on a final agreement.
“Yesterday afternoon, we made great headway in finalizing an agreement that would be the largest win for education support professionals in quite some time,” said Virginia M. Mills, President of ESEA.
“The District listened and addressed our concerns on a wide variety of economic issues; we thank our members for their involvement as well as the support we received from the District as we work towards finalizing an agreement for our members.”
The District’s offer includes sizable salary increases, steps for eligible members, and increases in District support for health insurance. ESEA is seeking additional economic components.
“Our members provide a wide range of vital services for our public school students each and every day, and the District's offer serves as recognition of the important role we hold in the district,” said Jan Giles, Vice President of ESEA.
The next meeting between ESEA and CCSD will take place on September 3, 2019. ESEA and CCSD have agreed to meet to follow up with non-monetary language at a later date.
