LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The well is running dry for some Clark County School District teachers who depend on bonuses to stay afloat.
Specifically, for special education teachers and those at Title I schools with a vacancy rate of 5% or higher.
These teachers will see their last bonus either this month or next month to the tune of $5,000.
Teachers like Lisa Smith at Watson Elementary in North Las Vegas knew the money would run out, but that doesn’t make it an easier pill to swallow.
In fact, it makes some things tougher like getting her own place for the first time in her life, in spite of being s special ed teacher who also works at a Title I school, meaning she qualified for $10,000.
“I’m in the process of buying my first house, and now I don’t know if that’s going to be a reality,” Smith said.
Because of the cuts, Lisa Smith goes up and down the same three flights of stairs, like she’s done for the past 10 years.
“I haven’t just been playing around with money; I’ve been trying to save it. Now for that to be taken away, I don’t see that happening,” Smith said.
Last summer, employees like Smith received an additional $5,000 over the course of 24 pay periods.
These funds were negotiated between the district and the Clark County Education Association last year.
“I fought hard for this these two raises along with many other educators and union members, and for it to be taken away it’s like taking candy from a baby you know it’s causing a lot of us stress,” Smith said.
Smith and many of her colleagues were surprised the money did run out, given what she says, was widespread support among lawmakers.
“I mean for me personally I didn’t think that that would ever happen because we have fighters for us up in the legislative session and they are champions for us,” Smith said.
CCSD leaders were happy with the funds from Senate Bill 231, allowing further compensation for “Our dedicated, hardworking, deserving licensed educators, support professionals, and police.”
Smith shares that sentiment, and hopes lawmakers get back on board this session.
“It is nice. Do I feel like I’m being paid what I’m worth? Not even, but it’s better than it was last year, and so I don’t want to lose that,” Smith said.
Smith explains to FOX5 the money runs out for her at the end of April.
CCSD says the dates and amounts may change as the district hires more licensed professionals which may burn through those funds at a quicker rate. The money was scheduled to run out at the end of June.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
