Glendale board approves revised facility-use fee schedule after debate over union access

The Glendale Elementary School District governing board on Aug. 14 approved a revised facility-use fee schedule and agreement after a lengthy discussion over whether the Glendale Education Association (GEA) should be listed among organizations eligible for uncompensated use of district facilities.

The proposal that the board approved keeps the updated classifications and insurance requirements recommended by legal counsel, and the board voted 3-2 to adopt the agreement as presented. Two separate attempts to amend the policy to explicitly guarantee uncompensated use for employee organizations (including GEA) failed.

The debate centered on statutory risk, the appropriate classification for events hosted by the teachers’ union, and whether naming GEA specifically in the policy was necessary or advisable. Superintendent Segata Jones told the board the revised schedule follows state law and that district counsel reviewed the changes. “The classifications reflected statutory requirements,” she said, noting the administration’s recommendation was made “in collaboration with legal counsel to mitigate any risk to you.”

GEA leaders and supporters addressed the board during public comment. Jessica Peck, president of Glendale Education Association, said the association’s removal from the class 1 list would limit the union’s ability to meet staff without fees. “I am asking you to vote no on the proposal as it is written tonight, in the hopes that there can be transparent discussion and a revision that makes it clear that we have a right to meet for free on campus,” Peck said. Vice President Amber Johnson asked the board to adopt “policies built…