Letter to the editor:

Policymakers turn deaf ear to teachers

Bart Boulton, Las Vegas

Thu, Apr 17, 2008 (2:03 a.m.)

As a 30-year Clark County School District teacher preparing for retirement this summer, I can honestly say the School Dstrict is headed for self-destruction because of its sincere lack of respect for its teachers and support staff.

The prevailing administrative mentality of “We know all the answers and therefore don’t need your ideas” has been the standard of leadership and policymakers for those of us who have taught for the School District over the past 30 years. This mind-set has and will continue to erode what was once a very competent school district to a point of no return.

After 20 years of writing letters, with ideas for improvement, to School Board members, School District leadership and those who control policy, only to be ignored, it’s obvious our School District policymakers want those who aren’t part of “their club” to keep their mouths shut and do as they are told, even if it’s not in the best interest of our children and our schools.

As unbelievable as it may sound, our district leadership and policymakers behave as though only administrative personnel are capable of higher-level problem-solving and deserve professional respect and treatment. All others are treated as though they just don’t exist.

A history of School District leadership and policymakers turning a blind eye to this lack of respect and unequal treatment has led to massive numbers of teachers and support staff leaving prematurely or learning to keep their mouths shut to survive.

The School Board needs to immediately involve itself in reforming these practices so teachers and support staff would experience a level of respect, recognition and treatment being afforded our School District’s administrators.

Maybe then teachers and support staff working in our schools would stay around a little longer and Clark County’s children could experience a higher level of success.

Discussion: 4 comments so far…

By Oliver07

4/17/08 at 9:59 a.m.

Suggest removal

I've taught school in 3 other states besides Nevada (and have not taught here). But in the 8 years I've lived here, have never really understood what the problem is. Maybe this is it. I listen to politicians and the "union" (the original NEA was not really considered a union....so sad to see it turned into one) thinking that by throwing money at teachers, that will make them better teachers. I agree that real respect for teachers could go a much longer way. Teaching is not just a "job", its a vocation. Teachers should be treated as the professionals they are......and not just with money.
By ohiorepubliscum

4/17/08 at 10 a.m.

Suggest removal

My daughter is a Clark county school teacher for the past few years. I hope she reads this very closely and seeks a career back here in the Midwest. She certainly hasn't been appreciated in Las Vegas.

She gets little if no support by middle school administrators, whether it is student violence or interference by "special education" whumps. She is routinly advised to "pass them along" and fake these children's grades.

Clark county reaches out, all across the U.S. for talented and qualified teachers to help out their shortage. Then after they get here - the get &%^$## on.
By VikingSwede

4/17/08 at 3:03 p.m.

Suggest removal

Mr. Boulton seems to be one of those rare individuals can easily see how teachers are said to be valued by the Clark County School District, but are actually devalued in terms of compensation, retirement health benefits, and professional autonomy in the classroom. A teacher's contribution to society is tremendous. How is a starting salary less than 50k a year commensurate with such an important profession? A teacher giving his or her life to such a noble career should not have to mow lawns or sell pencils on a street corner to pay for their groceries or retirement health insurance premiums. Mr. Boulton has scored another direct hit.
By ZeddyBear

4/20/08 at 7:27 a.m.

Suggest removal

Mr. Boulton is correct in his assessment of CCSD, its administration, and the Grandmas on the school Board. These folks could care less about teachers and students. Walt Ruffles' only concern is in the padding the salaries of his cronies. The Board of Mis-trustees will rubber-stamp any and all requests for administrative expenditures including a $50M computer system that does not work. The atmosphere in our schools is at its lowest ebb because of administrators who will not mentor their teachers... but who find it easier and more fun to torment teachers who are doing their best under dire circumstances. As a teacher who has spent over 35 years in education, CCSD is doing more harm than good in our schools. Thank God we have teachers who are dedicated and love their students and the subjects they teach. If not, our children's futures will be doomed as well.