Nevada School District Takes Teachers Union to Court Over Teacher Absences

The Clark County School District (CCSD) in Nevada is heading to court in an attempt to put an end to teacher call-outs, which they claim are causing school closures and disruptions. This legal move comes amidst a heated contract dispute, with a state law prohibiting public employees from going on strike.

Since the beginning of this month, a shortage of staff members has compelled seven schools to cancel classes for the day, and two others had to combine classes, all within CCSD, which encompasses Las Vegas. In one alarming case, 87% of teachers at a single school called in sick on the same day.

However, the Clark County Education Association, representing approximately 18,000 licensed educators, has denied any involvement in these recent teacher absences.

The CCSD has described the level of absenteeism at these affected schools as unprecedented, leaving students, parents, staff, and administrators scrambling to ensure the well-being of students. A state judge is set to consider CCSD's request for an emergency court order.

Staffing Woes Impact Las Vegas-Area Schools

The ongoing staffing issues in Las Vegas-area schools have reached a critical point in September 2023. This has led to the cancellation of classes and the merging of classes to address teacher absences in the nation's fifth-largest school district, Clark County School District.

CCSD is the largest school district in Nevada, catering to approximately 295,000 students, making it one of the largest in the United States. Currently, the district is grappling with 1,100 teacher vacancies.

Contract negotiations, which began in March, have revolved around topics such as pay, benefits, and working conditions. Negotiations have resumed this week, but ahead of a scheduled hearing, the school district has declared an impasse with the teachers' union, asserting that arbitration is the only way to resolve the ongoing dispute after 11 unsuccessful bargaining sessions. The district has labeled the union's demands as "unaffordable" and "budget-busting."

Union Seeks Pay Raises and More

The teachers' union is pushing for 18% across-the-board pay raises over a two-year period. Additionally, they are requesting extra compensation for special education teachers and teachers in high-vacancy, typically low-income schools, as well as an increased pay rate for teachers working extended-day hours at specific campuses.

In response, the district's final offer before declaring an impasse includes a 9% salary increase during the first year of a new contract, a new pay scale emphasizing college education and years of experience, and other incentives for special education teachers and difficult-to-fill positions.

Note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.