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Teachers and union leaders urge raises, cite low morale and special‑education staffing issues at Jefferson board meeting
Summary
Multiple Jefferson district teachers and union leaders told the board that low pay, heavy workloads, and special‑education caseloads are driving resignations and harming instruction; speakers asked the board for cost‑of‑living increases, more staff support, and better communication from the district.
A group of current and former district teachers and union representatives used the public comment period to press Jefferson Elementary trustees for cost‑of‑living increases, stronger staffing and supports for special education, and more responsive administration.
One teacher reading for a colleague detailed personal finances: “With my master's degree, I currently earn $82,162 as my base pay,” the speaker said, adding that the teacher now spends about 47% of her monthly salary on rent. Other speakers said teacher morale is at an all‑time low, that teachers are leaving for neighboring districts that offer higher pay and better support, and that uncoordinated directives have increased workload without removing other responsibilities.
Special‑education providers described unsustainable SDC class sizes and high‑need caseloads. An SDC teacher said she has 14 students — 10 kindergarteners and four first graders — many with severe behavior needs, and urged the board to reduce class size or increase staffing. Another speaker alleged a multi‑month technology outage after a firewall change left staff unable to access the district IEP system, causing months of extra work.
Adam Hawkins, who identified himself as president of AFT Local 3267, said teachers are experiencing a behavior and safety crisis in classrooms and urged the board to invest in staffing, consistent leadership and clear discipline supports. “These issues are urgent, interconnected, and fixable,” Hawkins said, requesting partnership and bargaining urgency.
Board members thanked speakers for their candor, said the board will not respond to items not on the agenda during public comment, and asked administration to follow up. Several trustees expressed sympathy and concern and emphasized that the budget advisory committee and bargaining teams will continue work to identify sustainable compensation and staffing solutions.
