We are facing a teacher shortage in Kansas. In the 2022-2023 school year, there were 1400 open teaching positions. Teachers are overburdened with large class sizes, long hours, and instructional expenses for which they receive no reimbursement. Their stress and burnout have only been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jesse would support a significant increase in the base pay of all teachers and other staff in the district, as well as hiring more paraeducators and providing more financial support for classroom supplies. This would increase teacher retention rates in our schools.