NMUSD Board Meeting: Teachers’ Protest 2% And Board member Hit-And-Run Controversy

Screenshot By: Genevieve Kehoe | November 18, 2025 | Trustee Ashley Anderson addressing the alleged hit-and-run

Hundreds of teachers rallied outside the NMUSD board meeting on November 18, pushing back against a 2% salary offer while speakers inside questioned a trustee’s involvement in an alleged hit-and-run.

Community concerns over leadership and teacher pay took center stage at the NMUSD school board meeting on November 18 at 6 p.m., where speakers pressed trustees about an alleged hit-and-run involving a board member and criticized a proposed 2% salary increase for staff. The meeting highlighted growing tension between district leaders, educators, and families.

Screenshot By: Genevieve Kehoe | November 18, 2025 | Will O’Neill expressing his opinion on Trustee Anderson’s alleged hit-and-run

NMUSD Board Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKZv-9A3kMg&t=2165s

At the center of the controversy was board member Ashley Anderson, who was involved in a hit-and-run two years ago, just after being sworn in as trustee for District 6.

Though Anderson defended herself by stating, “I categorically deny the assumptions and the demands that were made,”

many speakers called the situation embarrassing and urged the board to address it directly. Several also called for her resignation.

Will O’Neill, chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County, ended his remarks with, “We all know you're neither Republican or Democrat, you are instead unfit to serve and I hope you resign.” He also described how the crash unfolded the night Anderson was sworn in.

Speaker Bill Dunlap echoed the broader frustration, saying, “People need to step up to the plate, knowing they are in the public eye.”

While concerns about integrity dominated part of the meeting, the largest crowd came from teachers and members of CFT, who gathered outside in the hundreds to protest the proposed 2% raise.

Screenshot By: Genevieve Kehoe | November 18, 2025 | Anthony Solis sharing his opinion on the proposed 2% raise for teachers

Anthony Solis, CFT’s chief representative, called the offer “very disappointing,” arguing that the raise falls below local inflation and reduces teachers’ real income. “Staff already feel undervalued,” he said.

Michelle Brown, a third-year teacher, added that the district’s decision is “taking away hope” for educators trying to build a future in NMUSD.

Later in the meeting, the board shifted focus to a presentation on literacy improvements in the district’s elementary schools.

Dr. Lori Hernandez reported gains in reading scores, stronger early-literacy intervention programs, and new curriculum materials to support struggling students. The update highlighted ongoing academic progress across Newport-Mesa.

By the end of the night, the board announced no new decisions regarding the salary dispute or the allegations against Anderson. Still, the public comments made one message clear: families and educators expect honesty, action, and leadership that reflects the district’s stated values.