Richland School District Two is facing critical staffing challenges as educators and health professionals advocate for increased salaries and support during the recent Board of Trustees meeting held on March 11, 2025. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for better compensation for school nurses, behavior analysts, and extracurricular activity sponsors, all of whom play vital roles in student success and well-being.

Dawn McAdams, the district's health services coordinator, emphasized the importance of adequately compensating school nurses, who currently face a significant pay gap compared to their peers in neighboring districts. With 37 full-time nurses and 12 guest nurses, McAdams pointed out that many nurses possess advanced degrees and certifications but do not receive additional pay for their qualifications. She urged the board to consider increasing salaries and hiring more registered nurses to ensure adequate coverage and support for students' health needs.

Behavior analysts, represented by Tori Vate and her colleagues, echoed similar concerns regarding their compensation. They highlighted the critical role they play in supporting students and staff, particularly in managing behavioral issues that contribute to teacher burnout. Vate called for salary adjustments to reflect their specialized training and the competitive market for behavior analysts, which currently sees starting salaries significantly higher than what they receive in the district.

The need for increased stipends for teachers who sponsor extracurricular activities was also a focal point of the meeting. Lisa Ellis, the director of student activities at Blythewood High School, noted that the current compensation for these roles has not changed in over 24 years, despite rising living costs and increased responsibilities. She argued that fair compensation is essential to attract and retain educators willing to lead clubs and programs that enrich students' educational experiences.

Other educators, including Ashley Truss and Paige Fennell, reinforced the message that the workload associated with student activities often exceeds what is reflected in their stipends. They emphasized the importance of these programs in fostering student engagement and community involvement, urging the board to recognize their contributions through increased financial support.

The meeting concluded with a call for the district to prioritize these compensation issues as it prepares for the upcoming budget. The collective voices of educators and health professionals underscored the critical need for fair compensation to ensure that Richland School District Two can continue to provide quality education and support for its students. As the district navigates these challenges, the implications of these discussions will be closely watched by the community and stakeholders invested in the future of education in Richland Two.