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Classified staff and community members press Lancaster board for livable wages and to curb suspensions of young students
Summary
Four public speakers urged the Lancaster School District board to prioritize livable wages and to address alleged disproportionate suspensions of Black students and students with disabilities; speakers included a child nutrition worker, a district nurse, an organizer, and a supervision aide.
Four members of the public used the allowable comment period to press the board on staffing, compensation and discipline policies.
Laura Figura, who identified herself as a child nutrition worker for the Lancaster School District, urged trustees to "prioritize wage equality and approve a compensation plan that ensures livable wages for all classified staff," listing custodians, instructional aides, clerical staff and food service workers among those affected.
A district vocational nurse identified in the transcript as Christian said classified staff have reported expanded central‑office staffing while school sites lack adequate support, asking the board to review job descriptions, staffing ratios and processes that have increased workload without added resources.
Raquel Durflur, who identified herself as campaign coordinator of "cancel the contract," told the board the district issued 571 suspensions in 2023–24 and said Black students with disabilities were suspended at higher rates. "If you're a Black student with a disability, you fare even worse," she said, and cited state rules limiting suspensions for defiance for certain grades.
William Mills, a supervision aide, asked the board to revise the classified salary schedule after state and county minimum wage increases compressed pay scales, arguing that longtime employees are now paid closer to new hires and that salary progression should be restored.
Board members acknowledged the comments; the superintendent and trustees said staff would follow up and that negotiations and comparisons with neighboring districts would inform future compensation decisions. No formal action was taken during the meeting; speakers asked for continued review and changes within the district's purview.
