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Teachers, paraprofessionals press board on pay, staffing and administrative growth
Summary
Multiple district educators used public comment to raise concerns about staffing levels, pay discrepancies, administrative expansion and workplace injuries ahead of contract negotiations.
Several teachers and paraprofessionals addressed the Springfield Public Schools District 186 board during public comment on Aug. 4, urging the board to prioritize classroom staff pay, staffing levels and workplace fairness as contract negotiations resume.
Stacy Erickson, a K–2 teacher, criticized what she called “supervisoritis,” saying supervisors have multiplied while classroom staff remain under-resourced. “We need more boots on the ground, less suits in fiat,” Erickson said, urging raises for educators and classroom assistants rather than additional supervisory hires.
Natalie Washington, who identified herself as “a licensed educator and paraprofessional,” said she was removed from her substitute kindergarten teaching assistant position after raising pay discrepancies. Washington said she was reassigned without training, suffered a workplace injury in the reassigned role, and that the district has docked wages she earned before the injury. She said she had filed complaints with multiple agencies, including the Department of Labor and the Illinois State Board of Education, and asked the board for “accountability.”
Special-education teacher Andy Marvel told the board that special educators are completing IEPs and legal documents outside contract hours without extra pay, are managing heavy caseloads, and lack curriculum and planning time. Marvel criticized recent title changes and raises for some administrators, contrasting them with limited increases for teachers. “The most important title in this district isn’t executive director or chief of something, it’s teacher,” Marvel said, urging a fair contract before school begins so teachers can return refreshed.
Erin Graves, speaking for educators in the room, echoed callers’ concerns and urged the board to find common ground at the bargaining table. Several speakers said they had turned out wearing red as part of a coordinated show of support for staff priorities.
Board members acknowledged the public comments and said negotiations were ongoing; the superintendent told the board they would be “at the table” the next day to continue talks. Speakers and board members stressed the district is facing fiscal constraints while staff asked the board to prioritize classroom positions and compensation.
