Several teachers and representatives of the Cache Education Association urged the Cache County School Board on April 17 to maintain existing collective bargaining procedures and keep the association involved in negotiations.

Cynda Allen, introduced as CEA president, told the board she and colleagues successfully gathered signatures opposing changes to collective bargaining and asked the district not to 'put the law into effect before the law is a law.' She said the association is the group that should 'be at the table' for direct negotiations and asked the board not to change the locally adopted process.

Ron Hill, Cache High School's CEA representative, said he supports the district's intent to keep teacher voices in conversations but warned that large, public meetings where numbers are discussed can spread rumors and undermine bargaining; he asked the board to support the union and its role in negotiations. Kurt Benjamin, speaking as a community member and longtime education supporter, echoed the value of collective bargaining and noted the association's historical role in maintaining mutual accountability.

Theresa Stanton, who said she participated in the referendum effort, said the group gathered at least 320,000 signatures and argued the district should not 'rebuild the plane while it's flying'; she urged the board to continue established negotiation practices and only change if required by law.

Superintendent Todd McKee responded directly to the teachers, saying the district values educators and that administrative staff and the board aim to keep teachers 'seen, heard and valued' during uncertain legal times. McKee said the district has convened a policy review committee and is reviewing legislation passed during the recent legislative session; staff will bring policy updates to the board as needed.

All public comments were part of the meeting's designated public input period. No formal board action on bargaining procedures occurred during the meeting.