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Parents and community members urge board to resume contract talks, cite low teacher morale
Summary
Public commenters told the Big Lake school board that teachers feel undervalued after recent administrative actions and stalled negotiations; speakers urged the board to return to the bargaining table and questioned the closure of the high‑school fitness center.
At the open‑forum portion of the meeting, multiple community members urged the board to resume labor negotiations and voiced concern about declining teacher morale.
Mike Nagorski (S8) read a statement on behalf of retired teacher Karen Nelson, saying the district failed to visibly recognize long‑serving educators. “Why is teacher morale so low?” Nagorski asked, quoting Nelson’s account that she retired after 33 years without what she described as a basic acknowledgment from district leadership. He urged the board to ensure long‑tenured teachers receive the same financial recognition administrators recently received.
Ross Priest (S9), identifying himself as a parent and resident, told the board negotiations have stalled and said teachers “have been working without [a contract] since July 1.” He said the district’s last offer “fell short” and asked the board to “get back to the table” to finish work that keeps the district competitive with neighbors.
Rob Young (S2), another community member, questioned the announced closure of the high‑school fitness center and suggested the district use the facility as part of outreach to pass future referenda. “If we’re having a hard time passing a referendum, let’s embrace the community,” Young said, urging the board to better explain how referendum dollars affect residents.
The chair reminded speakers that items raised during open forum cannot be acted on unless they are on the agenda, and the board did not take action during the meeting on the issues raised. Administration later announced that negotiations with Lehi are scheduled for April 1 at 4:00 p.m., and that closed‑session work on labor strategy would follow this meeting.
Why it matters: Commenters framed stalled negotiations and low morale as risks to retention and instructional continuity. Their remarks also called for clearer community outreach about referendum spending and the district’s use of community amenities.
What’s next: Negotiations were listed on the administration’s calendar for early April and a closed session on labor negotiation strategy was authorized after adjournment.
