In a move that has sent ripples of concern through the Shadow Ridge High School community, beloved social worker Mr. Donald Perkins is departing the school due to significant budget reductions affecting the Clark County School District. For years, Mr. Perkins has served as a stabilizing force for the student body, providing a safe harbor for those navigating the complexities of adolescence, mental health challenges, and academic pressure. His exit is not merely a personnel change but a profound loss of institutional memory and emotional support that many fear will leave a permanent void in the school’s culture.
“It’s sad because he was one of the best social workers I’ve had to talk to,” says sophomore Mariah Scott
The departure of Mr. Perkins comes as the district faces a staggering financial reality. Recent reports indicate that the district is grappling with an anticipated fifty million dollar decrease in school-level funding for the upcoming school year. This deficit has forced principals and administrators across Southern Nevada to make heartbreaking decisions regarding which programs and people stay and which must go. At Shadow Ridge, these cuts have directly impacted the mental health infrastructure, leading to the surplusing of essential staff members who are often the first line of defense for students in crisis.
“I think we are going to all miss Mr. Perkins he was a great social worker,” says sophomore Jacob Albright…