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Teachers urge trustees to prioritize teacher pay in upcoming levy, cite housing struggles
Summary
Two teachers urged the board during public comment to direct levy resources toward teacher pay and retention; speakers described housing pressures, morale concerns and urged the board to request full levy authority to support staff.
During public comment, two district teachers urged trustees to prioritize teacher pay in the district’s upcoming levy planning, arguing that better compensation would help recruitment, retention and student outcomes.
Cody, who identified himself as a teacher, told the board any levy should prioritize teacher pay over spending on security, technology or other general fund items. “By focusing this levy on teacher pay, we signal to our community that we value education at its core,” Cody said, urging the board to consider requesting the full leviable amount.
Jared Stump, a Glacier High School teacher, told the board teacher housing and stability are driving early resignations and said small, immediate steps could help retain staff. Jared linked the district’s earlier use of federal ESSER funds and a large interlocal agreement balance to broader questions about spending priorities: “I believe it’s like $5,800,000,” he said when referencing the interlocal agreement fund balance, and urged the board to consider how those funds and levy proceeds are used to support teachers.
Trustees acknowledged both speakers and said negotiations and budget planning remain active. Administration reiterated that bargaining and budget forecasts will inform any levy ask and that decisions will aim to balance district obligations with staff retention.
The public comments were recorded as part of the meeting’s public‑comment period; no formal action was taken during the remarks.
