LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Las Vegas-area high school principal is warning students and parents as homeless encampments are once again popping up around the school.
Spring Valley High School Principal Tara Powell expressed safety concerns to 8 News Now in November after homeless encampments were being set up at the park adjacent to the school. In one instance administrators found a person living inside a shelter used by students on the baseball team.
Over four months later, and the issue continues. Powell sent a message to families stating:
“Spring Valley High School Families:
The safety of our students is our number one priority. As always, we want to keep you informed of important matters happening within our school community.
Recently, we have noticed an increase in the homeless population in the park that is right next to our school and on Twain. I would like to remind students and their families to avoid the park and the nearby area if possible or stay vigilant while in the area out of an abundance of caution.”
Powell said that they have encountered someone naked, and another person defecating.
-
-
Spring Valley High School Principal Tara Powell expressed safety concerns to 8 News Now in November after homeless encampments were being set up at the park adjacent to the school. In one instance administrators found a person living inside a shelter used by students on the baseball team. (KLAS) -
Spring Valley High School Principal Tara Powell expressed safety concerns to 8 News Now in November after homeless encampments were being set up at the park adjacent to the school. In one instance administrators found a person living inside a shelter used by students on the baseball team. (KLAS)
Resident Julio Gonzalez told 8 News Now that he worries for the students, and wants an answer to the problem.
“I love this park, and hopefully, everything is solved.”
Other park-goers shared with 8 News Now that this issue seems to be much more prevalent after dark or in the early morning. Those early morning issues happening around the start time for Spring Valley High School with two people found on campus Wednesday morning.
In past instances, some of the homeless population have broken onto campus. Powell told 8 News Now in November that they caught one living inside the concession stand. Issues at Spring Valley Community Park have also led to soft lockdowns at the school.
In November Powell said leaders need to get to the root of the cause.
“We got to get to the root cause, right? So arresting, like I get it, but what’s the root cause? What do they need, so they’re not living in our parks? They don’t want to be living there either, right?” Powell told 8 News Now in November.
Clark County Commissioners passed an ordinance that strengthens the county’s camping ban. Among the many enforcement tools, it gives officers the power to arrest or cite a person who refuses to go to a homeless shelter. The City of Las Vegas also passed a similar ordinance banning homeless encampments.
