The additional pay for teachers in special education and Title I schools in Clark County School District (CCSD) is coming to an early end, as announced in a recent email to employees. This pay was initially agreed upon by CCSD and the Clark County Education Association (CCEA) last year to address high vacancy rates by offering a $5,000 stipend to eligible teachers. The funding, however, has been depleted before the end of the school year, meaning teachers will not receive the full stipend.
The stipend was intended to attract and retain teachers in high-vacancy areas, particularly Title I schools, which serve low-income communities. While the stipend contributed to a 53% reduction in vacancies in Title I schools and a 26% reduction in special education, many educators are concerned about the sustainability of this approach. According to CCEA’s executive director, John Vellardita, the stipend effectively reduced vacancies, but its termination raises concerns about maintaining these gains.
Interim Superintendent Brenda Larsen Mitchell reported in January that the district had 700 teacher vacancies, 570 of which were in Title I schools. The stipend had encouraged teachers to fill these positions, but its discontinuation may lead to a resurgence in vacancies.
Principal Sarah Popek of Tate Elementary, a Title I school, noted that the stipend did not impact their vacancy rates, which she attributed to a positive school climate rather than financial incentives.
The stipend’s end has highlighted the need for a long-term solution. Vicki Kreidel, president of the National Education Association of Southern Nevada, pointed out that while the stipend was a temporary measure, teachers are increasingly seeking permanent salary increases to reflect the demands of their roles in Title I and special education settings.
CCEA is advocating for legislative action to secure ongoing funding to address these vacancy issues. However, Kreidel expresses concern that potential legislative solutions may not come in time for the next school year, stressing that teachers need assurance of stable, increased pay to commit to these challenging roles. She argues for a shift from one-time stipends to permanent salary increases to ensure that these critical positions are filled consistently.
Cindy
March 12, 2025 at 4:58 pmDoes leaving feedback ever have an impact? It feels like these decisions are made without giving thought to the impact on students and teachers. Higher pay attracts better teachers who plan to continue teaching in the district. Incremental increases that come with no guarantees explain the vacancies. Teachers that are paid a fair wage have a good morale. They enjoy their job and take comfort in receiving the incentives promised to them. CCSD never seems to get the message. They play the same game year after year.
Nick Bonsanto • Post Author •
March 12, 2025 at 7:38 pmNo CCSD doesn’t understand and has never gotten a grasp on that simple principal. I am the husband of an educator and the CCSD school system has not taken care of their educators in my 13 years hear. Yes, there was a raise in the last contract but there is still such a long way to go. So many layers on this onion to peel back.