On March 3, a demonstration was held along Highway 109 outside of the Rockwood Administrative Center and Ralph Blevins Elementary School, in response to an emergency closed session Board of Education meeting. The posted agenda stated “Motion to go into closed session to discuss preparation for negotiations with employee groups (§610.021[9]) and proposals and documents related to a negotiated contract (§610.021[12])”.

The crowd gathered around 7 a.m., dressed in “red for education” and holding signs demanding change. The majority of the participants were staff members of the district, joined by current students, families and alumni. Passing cars honked and waved as they drove by.

Salary negotiations between the RNEA and district negotiation teams have stalled and are at an impasse. Negotiations take place every three years between representatives from the RNEA and the district, and agreements have not yet been reached on salary and Family Medical Leave. 

Mandy Kotraba, science teacher at Eureka High School, was demonstrating.

“I just think it’s important for us to unify in the fact that we are among the lowest in pay in similar schools. I’m close to retirement, and I’m looking at the younger teachers coming in. And I want to be able to recruit and retain good teachers for this district. People move here to come to this district, and I want it to remain the same,” Kotraba said.

Currently, the Rockwood School District is ranked 3rd in the state, according to Niche.com. While a top performing district, they are ranked among the lowest for teacher salary in Saint Louis County.

Frequently wearing red and buttons showcasing their cause, staff members have joined events before and after school called “Coffee at the Curbside”, and speaking at Board of Education meetings to raise awareness about their frustration at the impasse in salary negotiations. Many community members have shown their support for teachers during salary negotiations by changing their social media profile pictures.

On Feb. 21, a message posted to ParentSquare from Rockwood Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain addressed the impasse, and shortly after a FAQ link was posted, responding to questions regarding district finances, financial reserves and the possibility of a tax levy increase proposal.

The Rockwood National Education (RNEA), according to their website , is “a local affiliate of Missouri National Education Association and National Education Association. We serve certified educators in Rockwood School District, located in St. Louis county. We advocate for our students through the representation and support of our teachers, whose voice in district decision-making ensures the instructional environments and conditions are best suited for all students’ success.”

Many of the events in recent weeks demonstrating for fair salaries for teachers within the district have been coordinated by RNEA after the impasse with district representatives during negotiations.

As well as Rockwood employees, many staff are supporting the RNEA. Kari Patterson, Special School District employee and resident of the Rockwood School District, attended the demonstration to show support for her colleagues. 

“My colleagues are a big part of this and even though I don’t work for Rockwood, I work in Rockwood and they deserve more. My children are also a part of this district, and I am here for their educational well-being,” Patterson said.

On Feb. 22, a Facebook group, Rockwood Families United for Teachers, was formed and currently has over 2.5K members. Within the group, teachers have shared experiences of feeling discouraged by the negotiations process, and have reported that they can’t afford to live in the district that they teach in. 

“We love to stand with our colleagues and the staff and the students and parents that support,” guidance counseler Emily McKnight said.

Teacher retention is an important part of maintaining a district where students receive a quality education, as well as being a place where new educators want to work and begin their careers. Nico Grassi, Eureka High School Class of 2024 graduate, attended the March 3 demonstration and is pursuing a degree in education.

“I have so much respect for my past teachers and

Rockwood teachers, and then also I want to be a teacher, so I need to stand up for what I believe in in my future career,” Grassi said. “I definitely would be considering not working at Rockwood at all. I know I’m smart. I know I’d be a great teacher, but I’m not going to go where I’m not wanted. I mean, it’s clear from the negotiations, how they’re treating teachers, how they treat teachers in general. There’s clearly no respect. And with Rockwood having such good stats and such good test scores, it makes no sense why the pay is so low,” Grassi said.