Teachers and support staff at Chaparral High School in Las Vegas are organising a public protest to draw attention to what they describe as a toxic work environment and systemic issues affecting both staff and students. The protest is scheduled for this Friday afternoon outside the school, following months of attempting to address their concerns through internal school district channels.

Since January, a group of employees, some of whom refer to themselves as the “Chaparral Posse,” have raised allegations of racial discrimination, mismanagement, and a punitive atmosphere under the leadership of Assistant Principal Tricia Keliinoi. In January, they presented a petition with over 100 signatures to the Clark County School Board, requesting intervention. However, they report little action has been taken by the Clark County School District (CCSD) since that meeting.

Social studies teacher Sam Millis told the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “They run Chap like a prison. Some of these problems happen at similar schools to Chap, but I think the way the school is run exacerbates these problems rather than mitigates them, and that is the failure of the Chap admin.” Danielle Carter, a truancy officer, said that the lack of progress prompted the group’s decision to escalate the issue to a public demonstration: “This is why we have taken it to this extent.”

The employees accuse Keliinoi of mistreatment and creating a hostile, intimidating environment that disproportionately punishes disadvantaged students. Liz Davis, a librarian and school strategist, testified at the January board meeting, describing how the Assistant Principal’s behaviour caused her significant stress, saying, “She mistreated me to the point where I needed to see a psychiatrist for the first time in my then 42 years of life, and he advised me to leave my job for the sake of my health. I want to stay, but I don’t know that I can.”

Chaparral High School is a Title I institution with 64.5 percent of its student body identifying as Hispanic and 19 percent as Black, figures which exceed district averages. It holds two stars on Nevada’s five-star school rating system. Teachers and students have reported racial discrimination within the school. Millis and student Jayden Boyd highlighted instances where racial slurs were overheard, and teachers have allegedly referred to students using derogatory terms. Millis characterised the racism at Chaparral as systemic, noting that some staff view the students as “dumb” or “stupid,” despite their potential.

Strict disciplinary policies have also been criticised. A punitive bathroom policy was described, wherein bathrooms are locked during class passing times and some students are barred from bathroom use altogether, although CCSD denied the existence of such a policy. Furthermore, Assistant Principal Ron Isaacs reportedly warned that any classroom disruption in the last three weeks of the semester would result in suspension for the remainder of the term, with many suspended students being Black boys and girls. Isaacs did not respond to requests for comment.

The issues extend beyond discipline. Chronic absenteeism at Chaparral is reported at 55.2 percent, significantly higher than the district’s 31.3 percent rate, while the graduation rate is 77.3 percent compared to 81.5 percent district-wide. Truancy officer Danielle Carter explained that under Keliinoi’s leadership, she has been restricted from making home visits — a key part of her role — and relegated to calling students instead, often without success. Carter stated, “Nine times out of 10 when I call them out, they’re nowhere to be found. So it’s a waste of time. This is why you need to go out to the homes. You need to check to see where these students are. Are they alive? What’s causing them to not come to school?”

Compounding these concerns, Carter is among staff members who have recently been informed they will be surplussed, meaning transferred to other positions or locations within the district. She and school therapist Keith Stark suspect these moves are retaliatory actions against those who have publicly criticised the administration. Carter stressed the importance of mental health resources, pointing out students’ exposure to poverty, domestic violence, and other stressors, saying, “Mental health is important because of the fact that these kids come from different environments… When they come to school, they need an outlet.”

Additionally, the school plans to cut its one-to-one Chromebook programme, citing budget issues. Teachers warn this will deepen the digital divide, particularly impacting low-income students and those with learning difficulties. “Eliminating the one-to-one Chromebook program at Chaparral will deepen the digital divide,” Millis said.

Low staff morale figures prominently in the complaints, with teachers reporting a culture of fear under the current administration. Fifth-year science teacher Scott Johnson said in January, “There’s a culture of fear… How are we going to not have bullying in our schools if we have administrators who are bullies?” This atmosphere has contributed to a high turnover of experienced math teachers. The Clark County Education Association conducted a climate survey reflecting these issues, though it declined to comment on specific school matters.

Neither Assistant Principal Keliinoi nor Principal Kristal Cummings responded to requests for comment. The Clark County School District stated, “While the District cannot discuss individual employee matters, allegations are investigated, and appropriate action is taken per policy and negotiated agreements.” They confirmed school district leadership met with the group after the January board meeting but did not specify any subsequent actions.

The impending protest at Chaparral High School seeks to amplify the voices of staff who say they have been overlooked and to push for substantive changes in the school’s leadership and policies. The event will provide an opportunity for the community to witness the ongoing concerns behind the school’s troubled environment.

Source: Noah Wire Services