Hello Board of Trustees. My name is Taylor Smith, and I am fulltime tenured faculty here at Edmonds College. I am speaking today to express deep concern regarding Edmonds College’s handling of the state-allocated high-demand nursing funds. These funds were specifically designated by the Legislature to address Washington’s critical nursing shortage and to support the faculty who train our future nurses.
It has come to light that the college withheld these salary enhancements without first informing the affected nursing faculty or the faculty union. This action not only disregards the intent of the Legislature, but also violates both our collective bargaining agreement and state law requiring consultation with faculty and their representatives on matters that directly affect compensation and working conditions. The administration has also indicated that it will withhold high-demand salary enhancements for other faculty as well.
The nursing program at Edmonds College is one of the most visible and essential parts of our mission. Our faculty work tirelessly to prepare students for the workforce in an area of urgent community need. When these salary increases are withheld, it undermines morale, damages trust, and jeopardizes program stability. Most importantly, it harms students who rely on well-supported faculty to succeed.
I urge the Board to take immediate corrective action: ensure that all state-allocated high-demand funds are distributed transparently and in accordance with legislative intent, contractual obligations, and state law. The faculty union must be meaningfully included in all discussions regarding this allocation.
Edmonds College has an opportunity to lead with integrity, collaboration, and accountability. Doing so will not only restore trust but also strengthen our nursing program and fulfill our responsibility to our students and the community we serve.
Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter.