Marie Neisess highlights arbitration struggles impacting educators during legislative session
May 22, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Assembly Committee on Government Affairs convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding arbitration processes affecting educators in Nevada. The meeting highlighted the need for a more efficient arbitration system to address ongoing disputes between teachers and the Clark County School District (CCSD).
A significant point of discussion was the current lack of timelines in the arbitration process. Assembly members expressed concerns that the absence of deadlines can lead to prolonged negotiations, which may take months to resolve. Bradley Schrager, a key speaker, emphasized that the existing procedures can delay the selection of arbitrators, potentially extending disputes indefinitely. He noted that public pressure might eventually prompt a resolution, but there are no legal requirements to conclude negotiations by a specific date.
Assembly member DaSilva shared personal experiences regarding the impact of arbitration on teachers, stressing the emotional and financial strain caused by delays in contract negotiations. He invited Marie Neisess, president of the Clark County Education Association (CCEA), to provide insight into the challenges faced by educators during these prolonged processes. Neisess highlighted that teachers do not wish to strike but are seeking a fair resolution to their contracts. She pointed out that the uncertainty surrounding contracts leads to the loss of educators, as many seek stability and clarity in their employment conditions.
Neisess also discussed the recent negotiations, where educators proposed a 22% raise, reflecting their commitment to improving their working conditions. However, she noted that despite the support from assembly members during rallies, the process remains flawed, resulting in a lack of timely resolutions.
The committee concluded with a call for reform in the arbitration process to prevent further loss of educators and to ensure that teachers can secure fair contracts in a timely manner. The discussions underscored the urgency for legislative action to address these systemic issues affecting Nevada's education system.
A significant point of discussion was the current lack of timelines in the arbitration process. Assembly members expressed concerns that the absence of deadlines can lead to prolonged negotiations, which may take months to resolve. Bradley Schrager, a key speaker, emphasized that the existing procedures can delay the selection of arbitrators, potentially extending disputes indefinitely. He noted that public pressure might eventually prompt a resolution, but there are no legal requirements to conclude negotiations by a specific date.
Assembly member DaSilva shared personal experiences regarding the impact of arbitration on teachers, stressing the emotional and financial strain caused by delays in contract negotiations. He invited Marie Neisess, president of the Clark County Education Association (CCEA), to provide insight into the challenges faced by educators during these prolonged processes. Neisess highlighted that teachers do not wish to strike but are seeking a fair resolution to their contracts. She pointed out that the uncertainty surrounding contracts leads to the loss of educators, as many seek stability and clarity in their employment conditions.
Neisess also discussed the recent negotiations, where educators proposed a 22% raise, reflecting their commitment to improving their working conditions. However, she noted that despite the support from assembly members during rallies, the process remains flawed, resulting in a lack of timely resolutions.
The committee concluded with a call for reform in the arbitration process to prevent further loss of educators and to ensure that teachers can secure fair contracts in a timely manner. The discussions underscored the urgency for legislative action to address these systemic issues affecting Nevada's education system.
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