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Teachers, students and community members urge fair pay and a step‑in‑lane contract during public comments
Summary
Multiple speakers at the Ithaca City School District public comment period pressed the board to adopt a step‑in‑lane salary schedule, citing staff resignations, working conditions and data on turnover. Board members acknowledged the problem and said they are evaluating budget and structural options.
Dozens of community members, teachers and students addressed the Ithaca City School District Board of Education during the public‑comment period to call for a new teacher contract that includes a step‑in‑lane salary structure and better pay to stem high teacher turnover.
Former teacher Nicole Doria told the board she resigned in August after 15 years, saying pay inequities and a contract offer that did not address disparities left her “devastated” and unable to continue. “That message sent to me was, I don't value you,” Doria said. She asked the board to “install a step‑in‑lane system for our teachers” so the district can retain experienced educators and provide mentors for new hires.
Several students and family members echoed that message. Elliot Purser, a senior at Ithaca High School, said teacher working conditions have “come to a crisis point,” describing facility problems and gaps in basic supplies and alleging that more than 30%…
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