The Pomona Unified School District Board of Education voted 5-0 on Aug. 22 to approve a tentative agreement with the California School Employees Association Chapter 14.

The motion to approve the agreement was made by Dr. Nashua and seconded by Dr. Pearlman; the board announced a 5-0 vote to adopt the tentative agreement following a short public hearing and comments from union representatives and community members.

Mariana Orozco, a representative of the California School Employees Association, told trustees, “Well, we did it. Thank you.” Orozco said the union’s negotiating team encountered personal and staffing challenges during talks and that the union plans to return to the table with reopeners.

Mary Morales, representing the Associated Pomona Teachers, praised the settlement and urged the district to pay classified employees a livable wage so the district can retain paraprofessionals and clerks. “It’s important that we’re able to offer a wage that keeps them,” Morales said.

Community member Claudia Cano urged the district to speed contract negotiations for all unions, asked whether the district has a policy governing negotiation timelines, and urged that employees “not make them wait longer than 90 days.” Cano spoke on behalf of affected students and parents and urged clearer procedures and improved communication among legal, finance and procurement staff.

The board opened and closed a public hearing on the tentative agreement as part of agenda item 03/2002 before taking the motion. Board members who participated in the roll-call and subsequently voted were President Tsai, Dr. Nashua, Dr. Pearlman, Mr. Jimenez and Mrs. Gonzales; the board announced the motion passed 5-0. Dr. Nashua made the motion to approve; Dr. Pearlman seconded.

Trustees used closing remarks to thank district negotiators, singling out Silvia San Martin for her role in finalizing the agreement. Several trustees also encouraged continued, regular communication with union representatives as the district moves to other negotiations.

The board recessed after concluding comments and noted its next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10.