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Teachers urge board to slow curriculum rollout, address staffing and special-education gaps
Summary
Multiple teachers used public comment to tell the board the new curriculum rollout, frequent mandatory professional development, and shortages of counselors and behavior specialists are disrupting classrooms and harming students' access to services.
At the Daily City school board meeting teachers and union representatives used the public-comment period to press the district for changes they say are harming classrooms.
Kevin Owens, a TRP teacher and site union representative, said teachers’ input often feels like “a box to check” rather than an authentic consultation and urged the district to engage classroom teachers when implementing change. “We’re feeling like we’re being treated more as widgets in the machine of our school system rather than as the human beings who have real and important professional expertise,” Owens said.
Other teachers described related concerns. Julia Brothnon asked that administrators schedule classroom observations on days teachers choose so instruction is authentic rather than interruption-driven. Christian Portillo criticized the pacing and scope of a newly adopted math curriculum, saying the district should adapt curriculum to students’ readiness rather than force students to keep pace with materials that many are not ready for.
Veteran teacher David Finn said recent micromanagement and frequent mandatory professional development have reduced instructional time and teacher morale. Special-education staff raised training and staffing concerns: Zoe Marinkovic read statements saying special-education teachers have not received training to write Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and reported that counselor Miss Jamie’s reduced availability has left students without daily access to a trusted support. Julian Draper warned that rising student needs and fewer trained specialists have produced unsafe classrooms and interrupted learning.
Speakers requested concrete follow-up from the district. The board’s public-comment rules note that the board will not respond directly during the meeting but that administration will follow up with speakers who leave contact information. Trustees thanked the speakers and indicated the district would take the comments into account as it plans staffing, professional development, and curricular supports.
