Teachers, union leaders and parents used the meetings public-comment period to press the Clay County School Board for higher pay, additional staff and more mental-health resources for students.

Several teachers described long hours and financial strain. Barbara McKenzie, a teacher with more than 25 years of experience, told the board she works multiple jobs and cannot afford retirement. “An extra $800 a year is a slap in the face,” McKenzie said, critiquing the boards current compensation proposal. Sharon Walsh described a 21-year veteran teacher who spends hours after school providing personalized feedback and lesson planning and noted that the proposed contract would increase that teachers take-home pay by about $40 per week.

The Clay County Education Association (CCA) president, Vicki Kidwell, told the board the districts proposal provided no raise for more than 45% of instructional staff and cited a specific alternative funding proposal. Kidwell said the union had provided a budget plan that would use a portion of the fund balance (0.68% of 5.68% was cited) to fund salary increases and asked the board to prioritize salaries rather than rely on a small leftover bucket.

Adam Warren, speaking as an employee, said he regularly works 20 to 30 hours beyond contractual hours and described the personal financial impact. He referenced state data that showed an average salary increase from $46,544 to $48,011 for the district and contrasted that with the boards proposed increases for employees. “It is long past the time for you to pay your employees for their hard work,” Warren said.

Several speakers asked the board to address student mental health and clinic staffing. Christine DeVault, a nurse at Lake Asbury Junior High, said enrollment rose to about 1,500 after the addition of sixth grade and reported increases in diabetes, medication administration, accidental injuries and self-harm behaviors. “Guidance counselors do an excellent job within their scope, but additional mental health professionals are needed to adequately meet the demand,” DeVault said. She recommended school-based mental-health counselors, social workers or extra full-time clinic assistance.

Other public commenters described transportation problems, including app outages and late or unannounced buses, and urged improved reliability from the transportation department. One speaker alleged drivers are strained and suggested students were sometimes seated three to a bench on buses; the district said an interim director was in place.

Board members and the superintendent acknowledged the concerns. Superintendent Broski said the board has increased compensation by about $54 million over the last four years and that current proposals reflect the districts fiscal situation. “When you look at what this board has done the last 4 years, $54,000,000 in additional compensation is 2 and a half times the record amount ever given in Clay County,” Broski said. Board members said they hear the concerns and asked staff and the union to continue bargaining and discussions.

The meeting included a CCA update and a request that the board consider the unions funding proposal. Board members agreed to continue the discussion in bargaining sessions and suggested staff would provide additional information about options and legal implications of using fund balance amounts suggested by the union.