Dozens of teachers and other school staff attended Tuesday’s Menifee Union School District (MUSD) board meeting, with several speaking during public comment to raise concerns about heavy workloads as contract negotiations begin.
The comments come as the Menifee Teachers Association (MTA) and the district enter the early stages of bargaining for the 2026–27 school year. The process is currently in the “sunshining” phase, when both sides publicly present the topics they intend to negotiate before moving into formal discussions.
MTA President Lee Eddy addressed the board during a report, expressing hope that the district will continue working with the association as negotiations move forward. He also pointed to the district’s recent recognition and growth, crediting the work of educators and support staff.
“Clearly, our district is a district to watch,” Eddy said. “That success has been built on the labor of the teachers, psychologists, nurses, SLPs and the counselors of Menifee Teachers Association, as well as our sisters and brothers of the MCCE.”
Several teachers echoed concerns about the increasing demands placed on educators, particularly the amount of work being completed outside of contracted hours.
Andrea Carrasco, a teacher at Ridgemoor Elementary School, said the expectations placed on teachers continue to grow without adequate time built into the workday.
“Teachers need time, period,” Carrasco said. “The challenges and expectations that are piled on and changed at the district’s whim need time to be evaluated by teachers, practiced by teachers, and approved by teachers.”
Another longtime educator, Melissa Lowdermilk, conducted a survey at her school and found teachers are working an average of 15 hours a week beyond their contracted time, which she described as the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid labor.
At the middle school level, teacher Julia d’Ablaing of Menifee Valley Middle School said educators are asking for the time needed to meet rising expectations.
d’Ablaing said although the district is great, the group believes they are ready to move from great to excellent.
“Our teachers, who are already working tirelessly, are asking for something very simple but very important: The time to do the job at the level that excellence demands,” she said. “That is why our bargaining focus this year is clear: Teaching takes time.”
d’Ablaing said ensuring adequate time for planning, collaboration and refining instruction is key to improving student outcomes and suggested expanding access to arts education and specialized programs could help create more structured time within the school day.
A parent also addressed the board, raising concerns about kindergarten class sizes following the district’s transition from half-day to full-day programs. While instructional time has increased, she said, classroom support has not kept pace with student needs.
Board members and district leadership did not directly respond to the comments during the meeting but thanked them for speaking. The superintendent also did not address the remarks.
Negotiations between the district and the Menifee Teachers Association are expected to continue as the bargaining process moves forward.
