"Fair Contract Now!" Teachers Raise Concerns At PWCS Board Meeting

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Donning matching shirts, many Prince William County educators spoke at this week's school board meeting to demand a fair contract as they bargain with the school system.

Teachers, supporters, and family members banded together during the public comment time to ask the school board to reconsider current policies. The policies, they said, lead to teacher burnout.

On Facebook, the Prince William Education Association said it is bargaining to get teachers a duty-free lunch, dedicated planning time, and more competitive wages.

Jane Coburn wore a "Fair Contract Now!" shirt as she recalled what she had for lunch before the school board meeting.

"Sadly, there's a lot of educators and staff members in the schools who didn't have a lunch break today. They didn't have a few moments to themselves to be quiet, to make a phone call, or to chat with peers," Coburn said. "Instead, they supervised students during their lunch and they went without planning because they were never relieved of duty."

Coburn said that school board policies require teachers to have a duty-free lunch, but there is a lack of accountability in the school system. She noted that policies are written with "wiggle room," that allows administrators to require more work from teachers.

Sophia Cruz identified herself as a Prince William County student and the daughter of an educator.

"I signed up to speak today because I am an expert," Cruz said. "I see with my own eyes how the choices that the school board and superintendent make impact my life at school and my life at home. I am here to tell you that both have been harmed by the changes over the past couple of years."

Cruz told the school board that students notice when teachers leave. She noted that teachers leave the Prince William County school system due to burnout or in search of better pay in nearby district.

"Students see when their class is way bigger because there aren't enough teachers. Students see when their buses are always late because there aren't enough bus drivers," Cruz said.Students see when our teachers are always tired and frustrated because they don't have the time to do all of the new stuff that they are making them do."

Cruz noted that her life at home has changed due to the current expectations for teachers.

"Please give our teachers and our parents their lives back," Cruz said. "If you won't do it for them, then please do it for the students and me."

A full video of this week's school board meeting is available online.