Classified unions urge higher wages as insurance costs rise; parents press district on septic and sports staffing

Classified employee representatives urged the Amador County Unified School District board to prioritize competitive wages and reasonable insurance rates, saying low pay and rising premiums are driving staff shortages.

At the start of public comment, a speaker representing employee organizations said classified staff earn hourly wages that “are paid an hourly wage below what employees at fast food restaurants earn,” and urged the board to consider how budget decisions affect bargaining negotiations.

Miss Jensen, speaking for ACTA (classified employee organization), said that while employees received a partial cost‑of‑living adjustment last year, it was not sufficient. She said, “in order to attract and retain the highly qualified staff our students, schools, and community deserve, we must have a competitive wage and reasonable insurance rates,” and that the union would press for higher wages in bargaining.

Eric Baird, newly elected president of CSEA 2309, echoed that message and described classified staff as “the heart of this school district” who perform a wide range of student‑support functions. Baird said many district employees are leaving for nearby districts that pay higher wages and that some travel more than an hour for better pay.

Baird added that “with the rising cost of living and income, we receive [is] not increasing at an equal rate” and that insurance premium increases had further squeezed workers; the presentation noted that staff received a 4.75 percent cost‑of‑living adjustment last year while insurance premiums had increased roughly 15 percent.

Several board members later raised concerns about youth‑sports operations after reviewing the school accountability report cards, noting public reports of missing referees, missing coaches and games that were scheduled but not played. Board members said a district‑appointed athletic director position had been intended to address such problems and requested staff follow‑up.

During public comment, Ronnie Gold, a parent whose children attend Ione Elementary, asked for clarification and faster action on an ongoing septic/sewage problem at the school. Gold said she had previously heard the site’s septic pumps were failing and that, while she appreciated interim measures to allow school to continue, she wanted the district to prioritize repairs and to “throw money at this situation” if necessary. Gold said she would like to see crews working on the campus and a clearer explanation of whether prior repairs had been completed or had failed.

Board members acknowledged the concerns and said staff would follow up on transportation, athletic staffing, and the facility issues raised by the parent and unions. No formal board action was taken on wages or the septic matter at this meeting; union demands will surface in upcoming bargaining and budget discussions.