CSEA urges improved classified pay and questions bargaining practices; board asks staff to respond to questions
Loading...
Summary
A representative of CSEA Chapter 577 addressed the board about classified salary schedules below state minimums, delays in job postings and the district’s inclusion of outside counsel at negotiations. Board members acknowledged the concerns and asked staff for follow‑up.
A representative of California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 577 told the Alisal Union School District Board of Trustees that classified staff face low starting steps, delayed postings for approved positions and inequities in travel and lodging arrangements for district‑supported conferences.
"Most of the classified staff live within the district boundaries, and it's very difficult to survive on their salaries that we receive," the CSEA speaker said, urging the board to improve compensation and posting practices while questioning why general counsel had been included at the negotiating table.
The union representative asked why higher administrative positions were posted promptly while classified openings remained unposted, citing the information specialist 3 and translator/interpreter positions as examples. The speaker also criticized a practice whereby classified attendees were sometimes asked to share hotel rooms at conferences and said the chapter would like clearer, equitable treatment.
Superintendent Koenig (staff) invited union leaders to submit a list of questions; he said staff would work to provide answers, and one district official indicated many questions could be answered by the end of the week. Board members acknowledged the concerns; several trustees praised classified staff and asked for prompt follow‑up on job posting timing.
Why it matters: classified staff compensation and bargaining procedures affect recruiting and retention for services such as nutrition, custodial and classroom support. Delays in posting approved positions and concerns about bargaining representation were raised as issues the district should address in upcoming negotiations.
Ending: The board requested that staff provide written responses to the union's questions and that the translator/interpreter job posting be publicized promptly; staff committed to follow‑up.
