Jordan School District employees advocate for speech language pathologists' pay and contract ratification

A significant discussion unfolded during the Jordan School District Board of Education meeting on April 22, 2025, as educators and community members voiced their support for a new social studies curriculum and raised urgent concerns about compensation for speech language pathologists (SLPs).

A kindergarten teacher from Ridgeview Elementary passionately advocated for the newly developed social studies curriculum, highlighting its potential as a valuable resource for educators across Utah. "We worked really hard... and I hope that goes well," she stated, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the curriculum's creation.

However, the spotlight quickly shifted to the pressing issue of compensation for SLPs, with multiple speakers addressing the board about the challenges they face. Janet Sanders, president of the Jordan Education Association, celebrated a recent legislative win that could delay the implementation of HB 267, a bill imposing restrictions on public labor unions. She urged the board to consider calling a special session to facilitate contract ratification for educators before the May 7 deadline.

Several SLPs echoed Sanders' concerns, detailing their struggles with low pay and high caseloads. They pointed out that Jordan School District ranks as the second lowest in compensation for SLPs along the Wasatch Front, which hampers recruitment and retention efforts. "We are a hard to fill critical need position," said Laurel Coe, an SLP with 12 years of experience in the district. She and her colleagues requested either access to additional funding available to teachers or a shift to a pay scale that reflects their qualifications and responsibilities.

The board's response to these discussions could have lasting implications for the district's educational landscape, particularly in addressing the needs of SLPs and ensuring the successful rollout of the new social studies curriculum. As the board considers these matters, the community remains hopeful for positive changes that will support both educators and students in the Jordan School District.