Several Hernando School District teachers and staff took the podium during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s school board meeting to criticize the board for not sufficiently supporting district employees. Melinda Cook, a 23-year HSD teacher, said, “Thirty-one years and we’re still not budgeting for the people who are in our schools, with our students, each and every day.” Her comments drew applause from meeting attendees. Cook referenced a 1995 newspaper article quoting Hernando teachers who felt they were low on the district’s list of priorities because no funds were included in the budget for pay raises.
Cook claimed the district and the Hernando Classroom Teachers’ Association (HCTA) were at an impasse over contract negotiations and that the same low morale that existed three decades ago is still prevalent among teachers today. Board chair Kayce Hawkins pushed back slightly, claiming the district is not yet at impasse because paperwork has not been submitted to the board. Another teacher of over 20 years, Misty Laushot, told the board she would make less this year than she made last year. “I’ve been without money my whole life, honestly, and I can do it again , one more day is not a big deal. I’m still going to be here for the kids,” said Laushot. HCTA president Lisa Masserio also addressed board members, warning that teachers do not feel heard and that the district is “approaching a crisis level when it comes to employee retention.”
“What we are experiencing right now with employees is this feeling of not being valued,” said Masserio. Thanking everyone who spoke during public comment, District 3 Board Member Shannon Rodriguez likened teachers to angels and tried to assure them that the board wants to put teachers “at the top.” “Your value is not up for debate with me. It’s us versus the math, not board versus the teachers,” said District 3 Board Member Shannon Rodriguez. Echoing previous speakers, bus driver Kathleen Robinson criticized Florida as a whole for low teacher pay. The Hernando County School Board meeting took place on Tuesday, with no specific time or location provided.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
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