CCSD and CCEA respond to safety concerns

The Clark County School District (CCSD) and the Clark County Education Association (CCEA) are pleased to announce an agreement that addresses safety concerns related to the transition to the hybrid instructional model for pre-kindergarten through third grade students. 

The document, which is an addendum to the Memorandum of Agreement approved by the CCSD Board of School Trustees in January, addresses teacher preparation periods and approvals for plans that call for licensed professionals to supervise in-person lessons in more than four different classes.

“The Board is committed to working with educators to ensure they feel safe returning to the school buildings,” said Board of School Trustees President Linda P. Cavazos. “We hope this agreement will help make our educators more comfortable, which will in turn make our students more successful as we resume face-to-face instruction. As we move forward, we will continue to listen to our educators’ concerns.”

“The health and safety of our employees and students has been my priority since the beginning of the pandemic. This agreement is continued proof that CCSD will work with licensed professionals to address safety concerns as we transition to the hybrid instructional model,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara. “I look forward to seeing teachers provide the critical face-to-face instruction to our students beginning next month.”

The Addendum addresses staffing plans that require a licensed professional to conduct or supervise lessons in person to more than four different classes. These staffing plans will now be required to have approval from the region superintendent and notice to CCEA. The added flexibility will allow principals, teachers and staff to tailor their entry into the hybrid instructional model and maintain educational standards. The new guidance was developed after CCSD met with approximately 200 elementary school principals regarding the safe staffing of their schools. Additionally, the agreement includes several steps that must be taken to adjust teacher preparation periods in order for teachers to have a voice in their return.

On March 1, 2021, all elementary schools in CCSD will welcome pre-kindergarten to 3rd grade students for families who would like their child to return to campus for face-to-face hybrid instruction. Throughout the second semester, the District will work to transition additional grade levels to the hybrid instructional model; however, there is currently no timeline for this transition.

Editor’s Note: A copy of the document is attached to this email.