ALTON - Two representatives from the Alton Education Association spoke about declining morale in the Alton Community Unit School District #11.
During their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, Board of Education members listened as Sara Carter, president of the Alton Education Association, shared concerns about morale among staff members. Carter also said a senior school board member referred to her as “one of the peons” before a Finance Committee meeting in November 2025. AEA Vice President Jessica Carlisle read the rest of Carter’s speech when Carter’s time was up.
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“Tonight, I am asking for this community's help and support to improve the morale of this district,” Carter said. “I ask this board and administration to reflect on the oath you took to serve this district.”
Carter said staff absences are increasing, which she believes points to declining morale, and many staff members “now feel scrutinized and fearful” that they will face “discipline or retaliation” for using their sick days. She said some staff members are “required to submit additional documentation for the use of their contractual sick days because the district believes they are abusing leave.”
Letters with these requirements have been placed in employees’ personnel files, according to Carter. She added that the Alton Education Association “strongly disagree[s]” with the district’s assessment that these letters are not disciplinary in nature.
Carter also shared that, before the Finance Committee meeting on Nov. 6, 2025, she introduced herself to a senior school board member, who responded, “I know who you are. You’re one of the peons.”
“As a sitting member of this school board, there is an oath to uphold, and language like this undermines the respect and professionalism that oath requires,” Carter said on Jan. 20. “A senior board member should recognize that such statements are inappropriate — especially when addressing district employees, AEA members, or the president of the Alton Education Association.”
Carter said she sent an email to Board of Education President Christina Milien regarding this board member’s comment.
After Carter’s comments on Jan. 20, Milien read the email she wrote in response to Carter’s email on Jan. 14, 2026. Milien wrote that the senior board member said he was “being facetious and meant no harm” and has “utmost respect” for staff.
“It should be noted that the senior school board member that was made reference to has served faithfully on this board for decades, is married to a long-time educator in this district, and unequivocally supports all teachers in this district, as does every board member present tonight,” Milien added on Jan. 20 during the Board of Education meeting.
Milien pointed out that the comment was made before the scheduled Nov. 6 meeting. A board member has no authority when acting outside of a properly scheduled board meeting, so this member was acting “in his individual capacity.” As such, he did not violate any board policy.
Milien added that the district’s sick leave policy is in accordance with the Illinois School Code. She said any additional concerns should be brought to the superintendent.
