Chaparral High School Employees Demand Change Amid Allegations

Employees and students of Chaparral High School united in protest for a better educational environment.

News Summary

Employees at Chaparral High School in Las Vegas are protesting against allegations of a toxic work environment and racial discrimination affecting staff and students. The Chaparral Posse, a group of employees, has voiced concerns about intimidation and fear stemming from leadership practices. They have collected over 100 signatures in a petition to the Clark County School Board, seeking support to address serious issues affecting both staff morale and student experiences. The high school, classified as Title I, serves a predominantly low-income population facing alarming graduation and attendance rates.

Employees at Chaparral High School March for Change Amidst Allegations of Toxic Work Environment and Racial Discrimination

In the bustling city of Las Vegas, employees at Chaparral High School are raising their voices against what they describe as a toxic work environment, fear of retaliation, and a culture of racial discrimination that is impacting both staff and students. Teachers and support staff joined forces with students for a protest event on Friday, all standing together to demand an end to the distressing practices they claim have turned their school into an unwelcome place.

A Prison-Like Atmosphere

According to concerned staff members, the atmosphere at Chaparral feels less like a nurturing educational institute and more like a prison. Teachers have expressed feelings of intimidation and fear, particularly citing the leadership style of Assistant Principal Tricia Keliinoi. The environment has reportedly left educators and students alike feeling unsafe and unable to thrive.

The Chaparral Posse Takes a Stand

Feeling the weight of their circumstances, a group of employees banded together as the “Chaparral Posse”, voicing their concerns publicly since January. They started this movement by gathering over 100 signatures on a petition aimed at addressing serious allegations against Keliinoi, which include accusations of racial discrimination, improper management of funds, and a pervasive culture of fear experienced by both staff and students.

Seeking Support from the School Board

In their pursuit of change, these dedicated staff members presented their petition, endorsed by public signatures, to the Clark County School Board on January 23. They were hoping for an ally in their fight against what they describe as mistreatment. Unfortunately, while the Clark County School District has met with concerned employees, they have not disclosed details regarding individual matters, leaving staff feeling unsupported as they tread through this challenging terrain.

The Struggles of Dedicated Staff

Some employees have reported deep emotional struggles due to the hostile environment. One librarian even acknowledged that experiences at Chaparral pushed her to seek psychiatric help out of desperation and reconsider her allegiance to her job. Others, including truancy officer Danielle Carter, shared frightening tales of intimidation and disrespect, creating a barrier to their ability to perform their roles effectively.

Impact on Students

Chaparral High School, classified as a Title I school, serves a predominantly low-income student population, composed of 64.5% Hispanic students and 19% Black students. Multiple teachers have reported instances of racial discrimination within the school’s walls. Students have echoed their concerns, recounting instances of witnessing derogatory remarks and unfair treatment related to dress code enforcement and punitive bathroom policies that hinder their daily routines.

Alarming Graduation and Attendance Rates

The school’s graduation rate stands at a mere 77.3%, while the chronic absenteeism rate is strikingly high at 55.2%, far exceeding district averages. Employees have linked the negative school atmosphere and low morale among teachers to these disheartening statistics, fearing that the current leadership is failing to provide the quality education every student deserves.

Calls for Change

It’s evident that many teachers are ready for a shift in leadership and support. Reports of seasoned teachers leaving due to a hostile work environment reveal a deeper issue that could ultimately affect students’ learning experiences. With plans to eliminate a crucial one-to-one Chromebook program, concerns are growing that the digital divide could widen further, impacting the academic opportunities for low-income students.

As tensions simmer, the employees of Chaparral High School have vowed to continue their protests until real changes are made. They believe meaningful action is necessary to fix the adverse working conditions and improve the educational experiences of their students. The collective community at Chaparral yearns for a culture where both staff and students can flourish without fear or discrimination.