Community urges Walled Lake board to press for fair teacher contract as bargaining stalls
Summary
Dozens of teachers, parents and students urged the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools board Oct. 9 to press its bargaining team for a fair contract, citing stagnant salaries, staffing shortages and a contract lapse since Aug. 15.
Dozens of teachers, parents and students pressed the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools board on Oct. 9 to secure a fair contract and higher pay, warning that stagnant compensation is driving resignations and harming services for students.
The testimony came during a lengthy public‑comment period that featured classroom teachers, special‑education staff and student speakers. ‘‘We deserve a fair wage,’’ said Justine Lawson, a speech‑language pathologist in the district, summarizing a recurring theme from speakers who said pay and benefits lag peer districts.
Why it matters: speakers said recruitment and retention are already strained and that district staffing gaps are affecting classroom supports. Kevin John Wilson, a teacher of 18 years, urged the board to ‘‘invest in our students, our teachers, and our community,’’ and presented comparative pay claims and fund‑equity figures to underscore the urgency.
What speakers told the board: Paula Small, a 27‑year teacher at Walled Lake Central, called for the board to put pressure on the district’s bargaining representatives so negotiations can end. Multiple speakers said the district has been without a contract since Aug. 15 and warned that continued delay would deepen staffing shortages for special education, CTE and support positions.
Numbers and context: speakers cited district figures and comparisons with neighboring districts, and community members called on the board to dedicate a meaningful share of new state per‑pupil funding to teacher compensation. Officials noted the state budget has been approved and asked staff to review its local impact.
Board response and next steps: board members thanked speakers and acknowledged the concerns. Several board members noted the newly published annual report and said staff will share analysis of the state budget impact once available. The public record included no formal vote on bargaining strategy at the meeting; speakers urged the board to act before winter while bargaining continues.
The board recessed and then continued the meeting; no formal contract was adopted during the session.
