Multiple students and teachers told the Western Placer Unified School District board on Feb. 18 that school facilities and teacher compensation need urgent attention, while a parent‑teacher club highlighted fundraising gains and campus needs during the School Spotlight.

"Students shouldn't have to be warned by teachers to be looking out for dragged footprints so they don't injure themselves," said Emily Pope, Student Body President at Glenn Edwards Middle School, describing a track that floods and classroom thermostats that are unreliable. Pope urged the district to repair buildings and support teachers so students can learn in safe, stable conditions.

Several teachers spoke about staffing and pay. Jackie Drexler, a first‑grade teacher at Lehman Elementary, detailed classroom impacts if teacher aides are cut, saying aides are “integral to our student success” and that certain interventions and assessments would be difficult without them. Jeff Duerer, a teacher at 12 Bridges High School, criticized the district’s salary offer, saying offering "1.07% raise to teachers. That is insulting." Union and teacher representatives reiterated concerns about workload, recruitment and retention.

Separately, the School Spotlight featured a presentation by parent volunteers at Linking Crossing Elementary’s Parent Teacher Club. Renee Twilberg, PTC secretary, said the PTC has increased fundraising and volunteer engagement, reporting that recent efforts funded teacher grants and grade‑level materials and that events such as a fall festival drew more than 1,100 attendees. The PTC requested help with needs including shade structures for playgrounds and coverage for TK/kindergarten drop‑off areas.

Board members acknowledged the public comments during reports and said they would take the concerns into account during budget and LCAP discussions. No board action was taken during the public‑comment period; teachers and students said they will continue to press the district through bargaining and public forums.