Back to School Amid Budget Cuts

LAS VEGAS -- Heading back to school can be a challenge in itself for freshman entering high school. Budget cuts maybe the last thing on their mind, but these cuts could make it harder for students to be involved with campus activities.

The principal at Cimarron Memorial High School says there have been some clubs or programs cut, but students still have plenty of options to choose from. And students agree and were surprised to all that's available to them.

Close to 700 hundred incoming freshman got a rowdy welcome at Cimarron Tuesday. Students were greeted by teachers and staff, and then given a tour of the campus and all that is available to students.

In between the hundreds of students and parents were Dakota Barlett and his mom, Shanya Gilliam. She says she was worried there wouldn't be enough options for her son because of the budget cuts.

"You know, I thought about that. The school that he was actually at had a lot budget cuts too. The programs were cut and then we came here and there's everything. What can't he do," she said.

His choices are endless. Parent Jackie Sempert was also concerned cuts would make her sons freshman year more challenging.

"There's something for everybody, which is really nice. I was really surprised that there were so many clubs and things for them to do, because with all the budget cuts, you worry there's nothing for them to do," she said.

But her son Triton seems to have found a club that interests him, here on campus. "I really like the robotics. It interests me a whole bunch. A bunch of the other clubs are interesting, I just have to get more into them. But I think I'll definitely be doing clubs this year," he said.

While some programs were cut, other clubs or programs were formed. There's a new pep club on campus with at least 50 students. Staff is also working to keep students involved, no matter the cuts.