The Clark County Education Association: A History of Advocacy and Progress

The Clark County Education Association (CCEA) stands as a significant advocate for licensed professionals within the Clark County School District (CCSD) in Nevada. Representing over 18,000 educators, the CCEA has a long history of working to improve compensation, working conditions, and educational opportunities for students. This article explores the CCEA's history, its key accomplishments, and the challenges it has faced in its mission to support public education in Southern Nevada.

Early Years and Evolution

Understanding CCEA's origins and early development requires further research. However, the organization's recent activities provide insight into its evolution as a powerful voice for educators.

Legislative Advocacy and Political Engagement

A core function of the CCEA is advocating for legislation that benefits educators and students. The organization actively participates in Nevada's legislative process, working in a bipartisan fashion to secure resources and support for frontline educators. This approach is crucial for achieving progress in a state where diverse political perspectives must be considered.

The CCEA's political strategy involves identifying and supporting politicians who align with its agenda, focusing on common ground to advance key issues. This does not necessarily mean complete agreement with every politician, but rather finding areas of collaboration to achieve shared goals.

Key Legislative Victories

The CCEA has achieved significant legislative victories that have positively impacted educators and students in Clark County. Some notable examples include:

2018 Election: CCEA played a role in electing the first Democratic governor in Nevada in over 20 years, a governor who pledged to raise teacher salaries.
2019 Legislative Session:
- Passage of AB309, which included a 3% salary raise for teachers.
- Authorization for a ½ cent sales tax in Clark County to support pre-kindergarten and adult education programs.
Pupil Centered Funding Plan (PCFP): CCEA worked with stakeholders to reform Nevada's school funding system, transitioning from the "Nevada Plan" to the PCFP through Senate Bill 543. This change aimed to allocate funding based on student needs and equity, ensuring that resources followed students into the classroom. However, the initial implementation of the PCFP did not include additional funding.
2021 Legislative Session: CCEA played a decisive role in the passage of a mining tax dedicated to funding education. This was achieved through a compromise involving gaming, mining, and business leaders, as well as legislative leadership and the governor. All revenue generated from the mining tax was directed to public education, marking the first increase in funding for the PCFP and the first tax on the mining industry in over a century.
2023 Legislative Session: Following the election of a Republican governor and a rebounding economy, Nevada experienced a state budget surplus that allowed for historic education funding. The governor and legislators approved an education budget with over $2.5 billion in additional funding. Additionally, CCEA collaborated with the Senate Majority Leader to pass SB231, providing an extra $250 million specifically for teacher raises.

Impacts of Legislative Successes

These legislative successes have resulted in tangible benefits for Clark County educators, including:

An 18% salary increase over two years.
2% step increases.
\$5,000 bonuses for special education teachers.
\$5,000 bonuses for teachers in high-vacancy Title 1 schools.
Column advancements of \$6,700.
Restoration of a 1.875% Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) cut.
Significant increases in healthcare benefits.
Passage of school safety bills for educators and students.

Addressing Teacher Vacancies

Recognizing the persistent issue of high teacher vacancy rates, the CCEA collaborated with legislators to establish the Teacher Academy College Pathway Program (TACPP) through the passage of AB428. This program offers students the opportunity to become licensed educators in CCSD without accumulating student debt, provided they successfully graduate and commit to teaching in the district. The TACPP represents a strategic effort to cultivate a pipeline of qualified teachers, ensuring that every student has access to high-quality instruction.

Contract Negotiations and Collective Bargaining

In addition to legislative advocacy, the CCEA actively engages in contract negotiations with the CCSD to improve the terms and conditions of employment for its members. These negotiations often involve complex issues such as compensation, benefits, and working conditions.

2023 Contract Campaign

The CCEA's success in the 2023 legislative session did not automatically translate into a favorable contract agreement with the CCSD. The union was required to start a contract campaign to force CCSD in bargaining to accept these results. Thousands of CCEA members mobilized at their schools and in the community, organizing rallies and marches to garner support from parents, students, and the broader community. This member-led effort ultimately proved successful in securing a fair contract.

Key Provisions of the 2023 Contract

The historic contract agreement reached between the CCEA and CCSD in December includes several significant provisions:

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Substantial Pay Increases:
- 10% raise for educators effective July 1, 2023.
- 8% raise for educators effective July 1, 2024.
- Increase in extra duty pay from \$31.50 to \$50 per hour.
- \$5,000 additional pay effective July 1, 2024, for special education teachers and teachers in Title 1 schools with 5% vacancies.
- Pay for coaches and club advisors tied to new entry pay.
- Addition of two more columns to the salary schedule.
- Restoration of the 1.87% PERS reduction in salary.
Healthcare: CCSD increased monthly premium contributions by 19.7% over the term of the agreement, with no increase in employee contributions.
Retroactive Pay: Back pay effective July 1, 2023, was disbursed starting in March 2024.

This contract, amounting to \$755 million over two years and funded by SB231 and general fund monies, represents the most substantial educator contract in the district's history.

Addressing Leadership Concerns

In early January 2023, the CCEA launched a campaign calling for the termination or resignation of the CCSD Superintendent, citing concerns about his leadership.

Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for educators and students in Clark County. The CCEA played a crucial role in advocating for the safety and well-being of its members while ensuring that students continued to receive a quality education.

Transition to Remote Learning

When schools were forced to shut down due to public safety concerns, the CCEA immediately engaged in discussions about alternative modes of learning. The transition to remote learning was not without its challenges, particularly for working-class and underserved student populations who lacked access to devices and reliable internet connectivity. The CCEA recognized the need to address these inequities and worked with the district and community partners to provide resources to students in need.

Addressing Mental Health Concerns

The pandemic also exacerbated mental health challenges for both educators and students. The CCEA recognized the importance of addressing these concerns and advocated for increased resources and support for mental health services.

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Collaboration with Community Partners

The CCEA understood that the school district alone could not address all of the challenges posed by the pandemic. The organization actively collaborated with non-governmental agencies and community partners to provide additional support to students and families. This collaborative effort was essential in mitigating the negative impacts of the pandemic on the Clark County community.

Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for greater flexibility and adaptability in the education system. The CCEA is committed to working with the district and community partners to develop strategies for future crises, ensuring that educators and students are prepared to navigate any challenges that may arise.

Economic Diversification and Workforce Development

The CCEA recognizes the importance of aligning education with the needs of the local economy. The organization is actively involved in discussions about economic diversification and workforce development, advocating for policies that will prepare students for the jobs of the future.

The Columbia UNR Study

The CCEA commissioned the Columbia UNR study to analyze the workforce and identify gaps between the skills and knowledge of graduates and the demands of the labor market. The goal of this study is to align the K-20 education system with workforce needs, creating a strategic approach to diversify the economy and ensure that students are prepared for success in the 21st century.

Targeting Emerging Industries

The CCEA is also working to identify emerging industry clusters that have the potential to drive economic growth in Southern Nevada. By understanding the workforce needs of these industries, the CCEA can advocate for educational programs and initiatives that will prepare students for these high-demand jobs.

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