Clark County officials gathered today (Thursday) at the CCSD Family Support Center to highlight new school zone safety measures ahead of the upcoming school year. The event also recognized the important role crossing guards play in keeping kids safe. Clark County Commission Chairman Michael Naft was joined by Felicia Gonzales, Deputy Superintendent of the Clark County School District (CCSD), Sergio Mayoral, Team Manager with All City Management Services (ACMS), and representatives from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and CCSD Police.

On July 1, Nevada’s strengthened school zone safety laws took effect, giving local governments new tools to protect children by expanding school crosswalk signal schedules and doubling penalties for dangerous driving.

“These changes send a clear message,” said Chairman Naft. “Slowing down and abiding by school zone laws is not optional. The safety of students is a shared responsibility of all community members.”

With more than 400 crashes involving school-aged children last school year, officials stressed that crossing guards remain one of the most effective tools to keep children safe during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. Their presence, combined with strengthened safety laws and improved traffic controls, helps reduce dangerous driving behavior and protects thousands of students each day.

Ahead of the new school year, ACMS held four crossing guard hiring events across Clark County. A total of 302 people attended. Of those, 210 applicants received conditional offers, and all accepted.

Chairman Naft also announced a commitment of $100,000 from the Las Vegas Grand Prix to support Clark County’s new school zone traffic safety education campaign.

“The Grand Prix has demonstrated that being part of this community means investing in the safety and well-being of the people who call Southern Nevada home, not just during F1 Race Weekend, but throughout the entire year,” said Chairman Naft.

Clark County’s Office of Traffic Safety leads the School Zone Traffic Safety Working Group, the region’s first multi-agency partnership dedicated solely to school traffic safety. One of the group’s key recommendations was to increase education to ensure school staff, students, families, and stakeholders understand the importance of safe driving around campuses.

Through this partnership, the Clark County Office of Traffic Safety and working group members will deliver safety materials to every CCSD and charter school student in the Valley. Resources will include school zone safety tip sheets, information about the new laws, e-device guidance, parking violation warning cards, and other materials designed to keep students safe. A centralized online repository will also be created so educators can access these resources throughout the school year and beyond.