During a recent Pomona Unified School District board meeting, representatives from the California School Employees Association (CSEA) and the Associated Pomona Teachers (APT) raised significant concerns regarding the district's hiring practices and employee treatment.

CSEA representative Mariana Orozco highlighted ongoing issues with favoritism and cronyism in the hiring process, which she argued undermines fairness and morale among staff. Orozco expressed gratitude for the board's previous efforts to address these concerns but emphasized that perceptions of bias persist, particularly regarding the newly created position of administrative director of risk management. She urged the board to ensure that all hiring and reclassification decisions are based on merit rather than personal relationships, stressing the importance of maintaining trust within the district.

Orozco also addressed troubling reports of negative treatment faced by employees filing workers' compensation claims, calling for a culture of respect and support for all staff members. She urged the board to take immediate action to uphold fairness and transparency in all employment practices.

Following Orozco, paraeducator Sonia Ozeda shared her personal experiences, expressing feelings of being undervalued and disrespected within the district. She described being frequently reassigned without consultation, which she believes undermines her role and the stability of the students she supports. Ozeda called for greater inclusion in decision-making processes that affect her position and emphasized the need for respect and consideration for all staff members.

APT representative Wei Solow echoed these sentiments, advocating for better compensation and recognition for paraeducators, who often earn less than entry-level positions in other sectors. Solow emphasized the importance of collaboration among educators, families, and the community, particularly in light of a $10.5 million funding allocation for community school implementation. She stressed that all stakeholders must be involved in the planning and execution of these initiatives to ensure their success.

Both representatives underscored the necessity of respectful communication and collaboration within the district, urging the board to prioritize the needs and voices of all employees as they move forward into the 2024-2025 school year. The discussions highlighted a collective desire for a more equitable and supportive work environment, essential for fostering a positive educational experience for students and staff alike.