Union leaders urge board to address staffing, workload and contract enforcement

Union leaders used their reports to press the board on staffing, workload and contract compliance.

Mary Kay Babcock, president of the Hillsboro Education Association, opened by connecting Women’s History Month to the long service of women in education and said educators across the district are raising consistent concerns about workload, safety and staffing. "These concerns are not theoretical — they are happening in our classrooms every day," Babcock said, calling for working conditions that sustain careers and protect planning time and special education supports. She encouraged continued collaboration at an upcoming listening session with Superintendent Ryman.

David Egleston, president of Hillsboro Classified United and a district bus driver, addressed areas where staff have influence and where they do not. He highlighted recent legislative advocacy supporting Senate Bill 1507, which he said helped preserve state funding, and urged the board to practice empathy and ensure contractual compliance for classified staff. Egleston cited specific contract provisions including supervisor duties (article two), access to technology (article five), meal and rest breaks (article nine) and safety and health provisions (article 19) as examples the district should consistently follow.

Board members responded with appreciation for the reports and expressed willingness to continue the dialogue; several directors said they hear and support staff concerns and plan further consideration at upcoming meetings. No formal board action was taken during the reports portion of the meeting, but both unions said they would continue conversations with district leadership.