Cheney educators protest over pay

CHENEY – Tensions ran high at the August 21 Cheney Public Schools Board Meeting as teachers and community members voiced their concerns over what they believe are insufficient pay raises, last Wednesday.

The protest, organized by the Cheney Educators Association, took place outside the meeting venue and gradually moved indoors as the evening progressed.

Members of the teacher’s association gathered outside, holding signs and chanting slogans that called attention to their grievances. The protest was sparked by ongoing negotiations over salaries, which the union argues have not kept pace with the increasing demands on teachers.

Inside the meeting, Jamie Reed, the district’s Finance Director, presented an update on the district’s financial health and ongoing negotiations with the teachers. Reed noted that the Community Eligibility Program, which provides free meals to students, would now be available at all school sites, including the high school—a change from the previous year.

Reed addressed some of the myths circulating about administrator salaries, explaining that administrators are paid for 212 days, with a base salary of $112,448.

“We are still hiring more people,” Reed said, stressing that the district’s hiring decisions are heavily influenced by what they paid last year.

She also provided comparisons with other Spokane County school districts, noting that Cheney was only 1.65% below the county average.

“The proposal we currently have puts us 1% above average,” Reed said, adding that detailed information is available online.

During the public comment period, emotions ran high. The Cheney Educators Association president, Meridith Lemelin, passionately criticized the district’s priorities, arguing that the workload for teachers has increased while pay has stagnated. “We are tired of being last when it comes to the priorities for the district,” she stated, emphasizing that the situation has worsened over the past six years.

Local parent Jack Collins also spoke in support of the teachers, calling the district’s treatment of educators “unjust and disgraceful.” Collins, who voted for the February levy, highlighted the impact of ongoing salary disputes on working families, particularly the lack of regular school hours.

“It’s about fairness and respect,” Collins said, drawing applause from the audience.

However, not all comments were in favor of the teachers’ demands. Zachary Zorrozua, a local activist who supports the district’s upcoming bond measure, made a controversial statement that drew gasps from the room.

“They were happy they got paid less,” Zorrozua said, referencing his time as a student in the district. He argued that the teachers’ demands for higher pay could lead to layoffs and criticized the association for seeking “the best contract, not a fair one.”

As the meeting continued, the tension in the room became palpable. The association members stood up and walked out in protest as the board moved to approve the meeting minutes.

Author Bio

Clare McGraw, Reporter

Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.