Teachers Union to Vote On Strike Authorization in Clark County Schools

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -- Starting Tuesday, the Clark County Education Association begins to vote on whether to authorize a strike for the next school year.þþ“The [legislative] session doesn’t end until June 3,” CCEA president Vikki Courtney said. “We’re hoping the legislators do what they’re supposed to do and if they don’t and there’s no funding we want to know what our next step will be.”þþMembers will vote on a possible strike via online portal. A CCEA spokesperson said members can cast their vote through Saturday.þþThe vote comes one week after more than a thousand educators and union members rallied in front of the federal court house downtown. The group called on lawmakers to better fund Nevada schools.þþ“There’s a shortage of colleagues and not enough resources,” Courtney said. “We want to make sure we have those plans in place if we need it.”þþCourtney said the Clark County School District needs an extra $120 million per year to fully fund its classrooms and give teachers the 3% raise promised by Governor Sisolak.þþThe governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment Monday.þþAdministrators with the school district have already said they will likely make budget cuts.þþIt is illegal for teachers to strike in Nevada, but according to a survey from the union, educators are willing to take the risk.þþOf the 5,000 educators who responded, both union and non-union, 94 percent said they are willing to walk out of the classroom if schools are not properly funded.þþIf members strike, the school district could take the situation to court and the union could face hefty fines.