Board OKs raises, discusses reconstruction plan

Terry Webster

Friday, May 26, 2000 | 11:12 a.m.

A one-year contract with a 2 percent salary hike for some union employees was ratified by the Clark County School Board Thursday.

The raise for members of the Education Support Employees Association falls in line with agreements previously approved by the teacher and administrator unions.

Aside from the raise and a 0.5 percent increase in insurance coverage, there were only minor language changes in the agreement, school officials said.

The agreement covers the 1999-2000 school year, meaning negotiations are getting under way for the upcoming year.

"I thank the board for its consideration of the support staff, and I hope (they) continue to consider our needs in the district," said Pat Bedunnah, president of the Education Support Employees Association.

New school construction issues dominated much of the board's business, among them a plan that would allow a land swap between the Clark County School District and the city of Las Vegas that would pave the way for the reconstruction of the 48-year-old Sunrise Acres Elementary School.

The board may agree to exchange land it owns at 601 Ninth St. for city property at Stewart Avenue and 28th Street. The swap would allow for the reconstruction of Sunrise Acres, using the current elementary school prototype.

Citing reasons for the school's replacement, Facilities Director Pat Herron pointed to poor access, limited parking, the school's general condition, the need for more student seats and traffic safety concerns on Eastern Avenue.

Because of the school's location, it is dangerous for children to cross the busy street and also slows traffic down to 15 mph.

The matter will be brought before the School Board again for final approval.

On another issue, the board approved a request by Herron to remove items from the agenda pertaining to site locations for construction of elementary, middle and secondary schools under the 1998 Capital Improvement Building Program.

Herron said the Bond Oversight Committee has not had a chance to review the recommendations and will now do so. He did not have a time frame for when the work will be completed.

Board member Ruth Johnson questioned a plan to purchase a new site for a rural middle school in Mesquite for $1.45 million.

A map inserted in the School Board agenda appears to show the school would be located adjacent to a sewage disposal pond area, she said.

During public participation, parent LeAnne Notabartolo told the School Board too many fights are breaking out at Jo Mackey Magnet School.

"My son's teacher was beat up twice," she said.

Another parent was signed up to speak under a heading titled violence in northwest secondary schools, but she didn't address the board.

archive