At least a dozen district maintenance, transportation and facilities employees spoke during the public-comment period to tell the board their bargaining group voted down a tentative agreement and to press for a new negotiation that they said would show respect and retain longstanding pay structures.

Charles Townsend, identified himself as president of the SEIU maintenance bargaining group and an HVAC technician with more than 10 years at the district, said his group “did not pass a tentative agreement reached with the district.” He said the district has proposed removing pass-through language for IPD (internal pay differential) and eliminating midpoint adjustments, moves he called “ridiculous” and unfair compared with other groups that retain IPD pass-through or midpoint language.

Multiple commenters echoed Townsend’s remarks: Tim Horton (HVAC technician) described cuts to the maintenance crew size and increased workload; Liam Baxter and Jason Diamond described the skilled-trades staffing gap and asked the board to “work together to find a good middle ground.” Carrie Drake, Tim Coombs, Jordan Trompler, Kelly Olsen, Patrick Severson and others said they seek a contract “that shows us respect.”

Board remarks and constraints: Board members acknowledged the comments but said it would be inappropriate to discuss details of ongoing negotiations during the public meeting. Director Smith said she sympathizes with the concerns of blue-collar employees and noted the board will consider positions with an eye toward those families. No formal bargaining actions were taken or announced at the meeting.

Clarifying details: Townsend said many maintenance employees have 10–30 years of service and live in the district; commenters said the bargaining group includes electricians, HVAC technicians, grounds mechanics, transportation mechanics and inventory specialists. No contract language or specific new salary figures were disclosed at the meeting.