Teachers and union press board on pay, staffing and Mitchell Elementary conditions

Hundreds of public comments included repeated appeals over teacher pay, staffing shortages at Mitchell Elementary and the district’s approach to collective bargaining. Several teachers and parents said staffing instability and benefit increases are driving experienced staff from the district.

The Ann Arbor Education Association told trustees bargaining teams had met but had not reached a tentative agreement and urged the board to prioritize competitive wages and annual step increases. “We are asking for competitive wages through yearly steps, raises and affordable health care,” an AEA representative said during the union presentation, framing those as necessary to retain teachers and stop a “mass exodus.”

Public comments described classroom disruption and special‑education vacancies at Mitchell, urged a rapid appointment of an interim principal, and called for transparency on recruitment and retention plans. Multiple commenters asked the board to treat teacher compensation negotiations with urgency and respect, noting that many teachers juggle second jobs and rising health costs.

District HR staff told trustees they have initiated exit and stay interviews and are preparing aggregate data for future board review; HR also presented ongoing grow‑your‑own programs and paraprofessional pathways intended to increase recruitment and diversity in the workforce. Trustees asked staff for more granular mobility and vacancy reporting by school and program, and staff said they will bring more detailed building‑level data in coming months.

Provenance: AEA presentation (bargaining status and compensation ask), multiple public comments at the meeting’s public commentary section, HR staffing and recruitment presentation.