The Cache County School District Board convened on April 17, 2025, for a business session focused on critical discussions surrounding collective bargaining rights for educators. The meeting, attended by a limited audience, featured several representatives from the Cache Education Association (CEA) who voiced their concerns regarding potential changes to collective bargaining policies.

The session began with CEA President Cynda emphasizing the importance of maintaining collective bargaining rights, particularly in light of recent legislative efforts that could undermine these rights. Cynda highlighted a successful referendum campaign that gathered over 320,000 signatures, demonstrating strong community support for educators. She urged the board to uphold existing policies that recognize the CEA as the primary negotiating body for teachers.

Following Cynda, Ron Hill, a representative from Cache High School, echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern over the effectiveness of negotiations with large groups involved. He argued that discussions regarding salaries and pay equity should remain within the association to prevent misinformation and maintain order. Hill called for continued support of the union and collective bargaining, stressing that any changes should only occur in response to legislative actions that threaten these rights.

Kurt Benjamin added to the discussion by acknowledging the strong relationship between the board and the CEA, while also cautioning against premature changes to the bargaining process. He noted the importance of collective bargaining in representing educators' interests and maintaining accountability within the district.

Teresa Stanton concluded the public input segment by advocating for the current negotiation practices, which she described as congenial and effective. She emphasized the need for stability in the bargaining process, suggesting that changes should only be made if absolutely necessary due to legislative shifts.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment among educators to preserve their bargaining rights and maintain a collaborative approach to negotiations. The board's next steps remain to be seen, as they consider the input from educators and the implications of potential legislative changes on collective bargaining practices within the district.