As teacher contract negotiations continue in the Nampa School District, Idaho Education News reports that nearly 100 teachers and community members participated in an hour-long tailgate party before last night’s school board meeting, designed to welcome new board members and urge the district to focus on retaining good teachers, at a time when as many as 20 percent of Nampa’s teachers have quit their jobs ahead of the upcoming school year.

 “We continue to have people come in and tender their resignations, and that is ongoing,” said Interim Superintendent Pete Koehler, Idaho EdNews reports. “I expect that to continue all the way up through the month of July until we hit the point where the law says we must now take action.” You can read the full report here from reporter Clark Corbin.

Former teacher Bonnie Richardson said six of Nampa High School’s eight English teachers left their jobs this year – herself included. Each teacher has at least five years experience, but left for financial reasons. “There is a train crash on the horizon,” Richardson said. “With the proposed salary cuts, they can’t afford to have a family.”

The Idaho Statesman has a report here on the situation from reporter Bill Roberts.