In a recent school board meeting, classified staff and former employees voiced strong concerns over pay disparities and management decisions, highlighting a growing discontent within the Santa Rosa City Schools district.

Multiple speakers, including labor representatives and former staff, criticized the board for granting raises to higher-level employees while neglecting the lowest-paid workers. One speaker emphasized the ethical implications of this decision, questioning how the board could justify raises for themselves amidst ongoing financial struggles for classified staff. \"We're back because you haven't given us even an offer that we can refuse,\" stated one representative, underscoring the urgency of their demands for fair compensation.

Adena Flores, a former executive assistant who recently settled a whistleblower case, expressed her dissatisfaction with the board's handling of funding and support for marginalized programs. She pledged to donate her settlement funds to support the Indian education program, which she claimed was overlooked due to its lack of political influence.

Jeremy Arnold, representing the California School Employees Association, echoed the call for raises, criticizing the board's plans to renew an independent charter that he argued undermines workers' rights. He warned that the community would not tolerate the closure of district schools, which he described as detrimental to both education and labor rights.

Teresa Tovar, a transitional assistant, shared her personal struggles with low wages, stating that many staff members are forced to consider second jobs to make ends meet. She urged the board to reconsider their financial priorities, suggesting that better pay could reduce reliance on costly staffing agencies.

The meeting highlighted a critical moment for the Santa Rosa City Schools district, as staff and community members demand accountability and equitable treatment in compensation practices. The board's response to these concerns will likely shape the future of labor relations and educational support within the district.