Board approves pay-band increases for classified management to stay competitive

The East Whittier City School District Board of Education voted to adjust salary bands for several classified management positions to improve market competitiveness and retention, approving the measure by a 4–1 vote.

The motion asked the board to "approve salary adjustments and banding structure for the select classified management positions to ensure competitiveness and retention based on the findings of the classification and a compensation study." The board discussion cited a two-year classification and compensation study, internal equity concerns and the need to remain competitive with larger unified districts.

Board members discussed specific band moves, step placements and how the schedules would be applied when filling vacancies. A board member asked whether the positions were currently vacant; district staff replied that the positions are classified management roles and some are filled while others will be posted. When asked to illustrate an example, staff noted that a custodial supervisor range would move to the maintenance supervisor band, and hiring steps would depend on experience and step placement.

During the roll call the vote was recorded as: Mister Baird — yes; Mister Aparicio — yes; Missus Dabbs — yes; Miss Carrera — no; Board President — yes. The motion passed.

District staff said the change is intended to address internal equity among roles such as custodial supervisor, maintenance supervisor and directors of human resources and budgeting, and to reduce the likelihood of losing managers to larger unified districts. The board discussion referenced postings and step placement processes; staff said current salary schedules are posted on the district website.

The board did not link the adjustment to specific dollar projections in the meeting discussion, but referenced the broader classification study and market pressures as justification. The board moved on to the next agenda items after the vote.