During the public comment portion of Thursday’s school board meeting, three Benicia Unified School District teachers took to the lectern to address concerns over salaries and teacher shortages.

On its Facebook page Tuesday, the Benicia Teachers Association indicated that it was at an impasse over salary negotiations. However, wages are hardly the only concern of the BTA. The organization has also alleged that the district has had trouble hiring and keeping teachers. According to one photo posted to the group’s Facebook page and circulated throughout social media:

* “At least 14 teachers teach an extra class to cover classes without teachers.”

* “Students learn Spanish online using Rosetta Stone.”

* “Non-credentialed teachers are currently filling vacancies.”

* ”K-3 class size overages are the norm, not the exception.”

Teachers addressed these and other concerns at the meeting.

The first to speak was Nicci Nunes, a science and technology teacher at Liberty High School and parent of two students in the district.

“I’m here to ask the district to return to the bargaining table for the Benicia Teachers’ Association with a better offer so that we can all avoid the hassle, time, energy and cost of going through a long mediation process when there are other things we can be doing,” she said.

Nunes noted that teachers all believe students can achieve at their highest level in an engaging environment.

“I really live this every day as a science and technology teacher at Liberty,” she said. “I work hard, probably too hard as a 60 percent teacher because I want to see this vision become a reality.”

Nunes said one of her goals was to serve the needs of the district’s disenfranchised and underserved students, and she expressed issues with the size increase of special education classes.

“I’m very concerned about the state of special ed in the school district, and I think these class size limits are important,” she said. “Too many special education students have been suspended, expelled or pushed out of Benicia schools. I’m deeply concerned they’re not being provided the necessary support that they legally deserve to have access to a quality education. You should support these limits and also consider increasing support so that more students can be successful.”

Nunes said the impasse over salaries and benefits was “fundamentally an issue about values and respect.”

“We the teachers are the most valuable resource toward accomplishing the district’s vision,” she said.

Next to speak was Christine Chu, an art teacher at both of the district’s high schools, who stressed the need for a healthy, safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

“The students I work with every day at Liberty are especially important in my heart because they are struggling with a variety of issues,” she said. “Some are at risk, some are at risk and have substance abuse problems, some are at risk and are special education , some are at risk, have substance abuse problems and are special education students all in one.”

Chu requested transparency from the district on issues regarding the above matters.

The final person to talk was Lara Ruark, a kindergarten teacher at Mary Farmar Elementary School and a BTA vice president. She also stressed the importance of BUSD going back to the bargaining table so it can be competitive.

“I am concerned that Benicia will be unable to compete with other school districts when it comes to attracting and retaining excellent teachers,” she said. “Benicia has been spoiled with the excellence of our teachers, and I want that to continue.”

“I taught in an Alaskan village for three years, and we did not attract excellent teachers or even good teachers,” she said. “The stories I could tell you would break your heart and shock you.”

Ruark noted that the teacher shortage is a very real issue and should be addressed.

By law, the board did not respond to or take action on the concerns raised at that night’s meeting, although they do have the opportunity considered for future agenda items.