FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. — Teachers in Clay County say they’ve had enough. They packed a school board meeting Thursday night, demanding pay raises they say are long overdue.

Several teachers and their families spoke for hours before district leaders, some shedding tears as they expressed frustration over what they describe as years of being undervalued.

“It is a message,” one speaker said. “It tells us that decades of experience, advanced degrees and deep commitment are worth little more than leftovers.”

One speaker, who is a teacher, parent and graduate of Clay County schools, also spoke in frustration.

“I’m tired of the placating words," he said. "It’s time for some action.”

The protesting wasn't just confined to inside the Teacher Training Center in Fleming Island — people gathered out

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