School District opposes Strip protest, says truancy laws will be enforced

The Clark County School District does not approve of plans by students to protest state funding cuts for education on the Strip today .

The district will be enforcing truancy laws, officials said.

"If kids really want to show how much they care about education, they need to be in school," said Lauren Kohut-Rost, the deputy superintendent of instruction.

Students have been organizing their "Don't Gamble with our Education" rally on Facebook and Twitter, said senior Steaven Rojas, 18.

They decided to protest near Caesars Palace to draw "national attention" to the funding crisis since the district anticipates a budget shortfall of more than $400 million next year.

Rojas said students will be complying with the law by getting excused absences from their school or showing up on the Strip after school.

Kohut-Rost, however, said a political protest was not a valid reason to skip school. "We have a shortened year as it is," Kohut-Rost said. "It's not a long school day."

Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4686.