CCSD votes to shutter 3 behavioral schools

By Ian Whitaker

Thursday, April 28, 2016 | 8:10 p.m.

Three Las Vegas behavioral schools will close, saving the Clark County School District around $2.5 million for use in other schools.

School board trustees voted unanimously Thursday evening to shutter Biltmore, Southwest and Morris behavioral schools due to a decline in the number of students enrolled at the campuses.

The downward trend in enrollment, caused by new district policies requiring teachers and administrators to discipline students in-house, has been ongoing for about five years. The policies were partly inspired by revelations years ago that black and Hispanic students were punished at higher rates than other students, prompting federal civil rights concerns.

The money saved by closing the schools will be dispersed among other campuses, including the four remaining behavioral schools operated by the district.

Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky said the closures would allow the district to increase services at the remaining behavioral schools, like offering elective classes and extending the school day.

Still, the move did not go without criticism. Some teachers said the new policies had the effect of encouraging bad behavior among problem students.

“I’m fearful that if things continue the way they are … these students will take control,” said one teacher.