Teachers and union press Clay board on veteran pay, shortages and limits of liability coverage

Several teachers, parent advocates and the Clay County Education Association raised concerns about veteran teacher pay, staffing shortages and misunderstandings about an educator professional‑liability program during public comment at the March 6 school board meeting.

Linda Lyons, identified in her remarks as a resident, told the board that the district’s teacher shortage and current limits on extensions and hiring practices were harming schools’ ability to staff classrooms with experienced teachers. "How do you explain to the classroom teacher who have more responsibilities?" Lyons asked, saying administrators are struggling to fill vacancies and that some positions remain open late into the school year.

Shelly Hughes, a longtime resident whose husband taught in the…