Monticello speakers urge fair teacher contract as board launches 'United for Education' campaign

At the Monticello Public School District regular board meeting on June 1, a string of parents, students and community members urged the board to return to the bargaining table and approve a fair contract for teachers.

Janet Garcia told the board that it is "not okay" that district educators have operated without a contract for an extended period and said failing to support teachers "is harmful for the future of our kids." Recent graduate Trevor Koig read a teacher's account of being overextended — juggling multiple classes, extracurricular duties, and a newborn at home — saying, "My brain was fried. I was overextended, overcommitted, and absolutely exhausted." Adriana Pearson and other speakers described teachers as mentors and role models who provided emotional and academic support during family crises.

Superintendent Eric Olsen acknowledged the personal stories and framed them within the district's funding picture, saying the state funding formula has not kept pace with inflation and rising costs for special education, benefits and facilities. Olsen and board members introduced "United for Education," a nonpartisan campaign the district intends to use as a planning and outreach vehicle over the next eight months ahead of the 2027 legislative session. Olsen asked school boards, employee groups, administrators, families and community members to "stand together" to press for a funding system that the district says is more equitable and sustainable.

Board members said they value teachers and staff while noting the board's dual responsibilities for policy and finances. The board did not take action on contracts at the meeting; due to ongoing bargaining, members said they could not respond directly to specifics of collective-bargaining discussions during the public meeting. The board adjourned the regular session at 6:08 p.m.; a work session and a closed superintendent-evaluation session were scheduled to follow.

The meeting recorded no formal resolution or vote related to bargaining at this session; the "United for Education" concept is an advocacy posture and planning effort the superintendent and board said they will continue to develop over the coming months.