Ross Local teachers, parents and alumni urge board to approve a fair contract amid negotiations

More than a dozen teachers, parents and alumni used the public comment period at the Ross Local School District board meeting to press the board for a fair contract and to emphasize the role teachers play in the district's student success.

Amy Brosart, a Ross High School teacher who said she has taught in the district since 2003, told the board she spoke for the district's 149-member Ross Education Association and asked the board to "bring us a fair contract." She cited the district's own financial report showing "106 true days cash" and said teachers have accepted pay freezes and minimal raises in past years but now seek compensation that reflects their work and helps retain staff.

Community members and parents echoed that request. Abby Sherwood, a parent with three children in the district, credited teachers with high-performing music and choir programs and said teachers deserve a seat at the table on decisions that affect classrooms. Chad Zipfel, a Ross graduate and parent, urged the board to remember that "turnover is the enemy of any successful enterprise" and warned that uncompetitive pay and insufficient supports for students with needs could drive teachers and families away.

Several speakers described the personal and generational ties that keep staff in Ross. Pete Blauer, a 1988 graduate whose wife is a long‑time district teacher, and Elizabeth Pence, a parent whose oldest child now teaches in the district, said many teachers are Ross graduates who choose to remain and teach locally. Dan Redick and others recounted sacrifices teachers made in past years — including multiple years with little or no raises — and said now is the time to honor those commitments.

Speakers cited district academic measures and awards in urging investment in staff. Laurie Harrison pointed to Ross's strong statewide rankings and said, "When we invest in our teachers, we invest directly in our students and in our community." Tony Greco, a former principal and community member, closed the public comment period by urging the board to match its public praise for teachers with contract terms.

The board did not take action on contract terms during the meeting. Board leaders said the meeting included an executive session earlier to prepare for bargaining and that Dr. Rice and district staff would follow up with commenters who requested additional information. The superintendent later presented routine personnel and trip approvals, which the board approved by roll call.

Observers and speakers asked the board to consider retention-related details raised during comments, including teacher pay scales, past freezes or 1% increases, impacts on career earnings and retirement, and staffing levels for positions such as nurses and aides. Community members asked the board to present a contract the district's teachers can accept as a demonstration of respect and support.