The Nevada State Education Association has been the voice of Nevada educators for over 120 years. NSEA represents educators in every Nevada school district. We represent teachers and other licensed education professionals as well as education support professionals (ESPs)
Education support professionals are a critical component of the family of educators in our schools. Our students are complete human beings with a range of needs that must be met in order for learning to take place. Paraprofessionals tirelessly support students in their learning. Transportation professionals make sure our kids arrive to school in the morning and return home safely. Nutrition professionals make sure no child has to learn on an empty stomach. Custodial and maintenance keep the learning environment clean and safe. Tech professionals keep our students online. Clerical professionals do multiple jobs to keep the school offices operational and assist administrators. Health aides help take care of students' medical needs.
ESPs are hardworking, and without them, our schools could not run. At the same time ESPs are the lowest paid employees in school districts with starting pay for some job classes around $11 per hour. Education support professionals typically come from the communities they serve and reflect the diversity of students attending our schools.
We have been concerned about the conversation happening at the Board of Education regarding the reorganization of the Clark County School District related to service level agreements. Several comments have disparaged the work of some education support professionals and promoted outsourcing some of these public jobs.
NSEA strongly believes when trusted educators are replaced with private contractors, the overall quality and safety of our public education system is compromised. Contracting out public work also impacts the quality of jobs available to our community members, converting decent union jobs to minimum wage without benefits. This only worsens the cycle of poverty that education equity advocates have been trying to address in schools in our poorest communities.
While we have appreciated the opportunities over the last several months to discuss the importance of public work provided by education support professionals, we are concerned the direction being given by the Nevada State Board of Education and the Department to the Clark County School District could negatively impact our members and the students, schools, and communities they serve.
Learn More
Do More
What's On Your Mind?
