Special‑education teacher cites repeated injuries and resigns, asks district for better supports

During public comment at the May 19 Richland Bean Blossom school board meeting, a district Journeys teacher identified herself as Stacy and announced her resignation, saying repeated on‑the‑job injuries and lack of adequate support made continuing untenable.

"No educator should feel unsafe at work. No teacher should have to fund essential classroom needs out of pocket," Stacy said, describing 20 years with the district and saying she had "personally undergone three surgeries related to injuries sustained at work." She said she had sought help through official channels but often felt "unheard" and "dismissed" and that the physical and emotional toll became too great.

Stacy said she resigned effective the last day of her current teaching contract "in order to preserve my own peace of mind, my physical health, my mental health, and the well‑being of my family." She thanked colleagues and expressed hope future educators would receive better support and resources.

The board did not record a formal remedial motion in response to Stacy’s testimony during the May 19 meeting. Trustees thanked her for her service and several board members later expressed general appreciation for staff and concern about retention, but no personnel or policy directive was included in the transcript.

Why it matters: Stacy’s comments highlighted concerns about staff safety, resource shortfalls, and retention pressures that board members and administrators said are ongoing district priorities. The assistant superintendent also reported a federal Title I funding cut for the district that administrators said will complicate staffing funded through grants.

What’s next: No follow‑up action was recorded in the meeting; the transcript shows board members acknowledged the comments and highlighted district efforts, but did not adopt a motion to investigate or to direct staff to take immediate corrective steps during the May 19 session.