Early this morning, teachers, students, and parents gathered outside the Clark County School District (CCSD) headquarters to demand school safety. Over 100 protesters stood outside the building, calling for their voices to be heard and their concerns to be taken seriously by administrators.
Among the protesters was Tiersa Baughman, a long-time CCSD educator who graduated from the district’s schools and now teaches in a challenging area of town. Baughman emphasized that most educators are not in it for the money, but rather for the passion they have for teaching. She and fellow educator Mercedes Krause have witnessed an increase in violence at CCSD schools, with overcrowding adding to the stress on staff.
During the rally, the protesters outlined a list of short-term goals that they believe will improve school safety. These goals include adding intercoms and classroom buttons, ensuring someone is always available to respond to signals from these devices, installing operational surveillance cameras in every school, and addressing non-functioning cameras. Additionally, they called for a district-wide policy on handling violence in classrooms and a comprehensive safety plan to be published on the school district’s website.
While some of these demands are already being implemented at schools like Eldorado High School, CCSD acknowledges that there is still work to be done to ensure the safety of all teachers and students. The district is currently facing a shortage of about 1,500 teachers, which is putting additional strain on staff and resources.
The protesters are adamant that their message is clear: they want safe schools where both teachers and students can feel secure. They are calling on administrators to prioritize school safety and take concrete actions to address their concerns.
As the rally concluded, the group dispersed but made it clear that they will continue to push for change until their demands are met. The passion and dedication of these educators, students, and parents highlight the importance of prioritizing school safety and creating a secure learning environment for all members of the school community.
