During the recent Dixon Unified School District meeting on November 7, 2024, educators and parents voiced urgent concerns regarding teacher compensation and retention, highlighting a troubling trend that could impact the quality of education in the community.

A key discussion point centered around the district's current offer of a 10% raise for teachers, which many believe is insufficient to attract and retain quality educators. A member of the Dixon Teachers Association expressed frustration over the district's communication regarding salary negotiations, arguing that the information shared with the public lacks crucial context. While the district claims to offer the highest raise in the county, the speaker pointed out that even with this increase, Dixon teachers would still earn significantly less than their counterparts in neighboring districts. This disparity has led to a concerning trend of teacher turnover, with 96 educators leaving Dixon for better-paying positions in the last five years.

Parents echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the negative impact on students. One parent shared her experience of losing a veteran kindergarten teacher and noted that her child currently lacks a permanent teacher. Another parent highlighted the challenges faced by special education students due to high turnover rates among teachers, which disrupts their learning environment and support systems.

The meeting also featured calls for the district to reassess its budget and consider how unused funds could be allocated to improve teacher salaries. Community members urged the school board to prioritize competitive compensation to ensure that Dixon can attract and retain skilled educators, ultimately benefiting the students.

As the meeting concluded, the overarching message was clear: the community is calling for immediate action to address the teacher retention crisis. Parents and educators alike stressed that investing in teachers is essential for fostering a stable and effective educational environment for the children of Dixon. The discussions from this meeting reflect a growing concern that without significant changes, the district risks losing not only its teachers but also the trust and stability that students need to thrive.