South Lane SD 45J3 proclaims Classified Employee Appreciation Week; union urges board to protect special‑education and Title funding

The South Lane SD 45J3 board adopted a proclamation declaring the week of March 3, 2025, as Classified Employee Appreciation Week and thanked classified staff for their day-to-day work in schools.

In public comment, Brandy Baker, acting president of the district’s union, urged trustees to defend programs that serve the district’s most vulnerable students. "Funding for special education, Title 1 schools and programs that support our most valuable vulnerable students like McKinney Vento should never be on the chopping block," Baker said, asking the board to take action on behalf of students and educators.

Baker described what she called a broader pressure on educators, including concerns about retirement security and the dignity of the profession. "Teachers should not have to wonder if they will be able to retire with social security and stability," she said, and urged the board to "stand against policies that create fear and uncertainty in our school."

The proclamation read at the meeting thanked classified staff for tasks including transportation, food service, custodial work, office support and other functions that keep schools running. The written proclamation states that the board "strongly encourages all members of our community to join in this observance." The board adopted the proclamation during the meeting.

Ending: Board members acknowledged classified staff and noted ongoing bargaining and budget discussions; the superintendent said bargaining and budget planning will factor into upcoming decisions.