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Board unanimously approves CSEA tentative agreement; teachers warn of potential $300 payroll deduction
Summary
The board approved a tentative 2025–26 agreement with CSEA and parallel compensation for management; NMFT president and public speakers raised concerns that the district had signaled plans to deduct approximately $300 per month for increased health‑benefit costs from educators’ paychecks while negotiations continue.
The Newport‑Mesa Unified School District board on Monday approved a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the California School Employees Association (CSEA) chapter 18 and simultaneously approved parallel compensation adjustments for management and supervisory groups.
Assistant Superintendent (name given in the record as Speaker 31) summarized the tentative agreement as including ongoing salary increases, a larger district contribution for health and welfare benefits, and recognition for longevity and professional growth. "We are pleased to bring to the board the tentative agreement with CSEA for approval," the assistant superintendent said.
Trustee Crane moved to approve the agreement and Trustee Pearson seconded the motion. Roll call votes recorded completion of the approval with unanimous support, 7‑0.
The approval followed remarks from labor leaders and public commenters. CSEA President Amy Chang thanked negotiating teams for collaboration and transparency. NMFT President Rhonda Reid told the board of a history of payroll problems and said the district had informed educators of an intent to "take the whole increase for health benefits out of the educators' paychecks" if negotiations remain unsettled, which she said would amount to "around $300 for every month that we do not settle." The allegation was repeated by a public school site representative, Rachel Jimenez, during public comment.
Superintendent Smith declined to comment on active negotiations but said he had "faith in the people at the table" and that negotiations were ongoing. The board nevertheless voted to approve the CSEA tentative agreement and then approved parallel increases for management, confidential and supervisory groups, with motions recorded and votes unanimous.
What passed on the consent/action calendar included:
• Appointment of Charlene Montoya to a three‑year term on the Personnel Commission (vote 7‑0).
• Approval of the tentative agreement with CSEA for 2025–26 (vote 7‑0).
• Approval of parallel compensation for management/confidential/supervisory employees matching CSEA increases (vote 7‑0).
The board did not take immediate action in response to NMFT’s public concerns during this meeting; Superintendent Smith and staff said they could not comment on active negotiations. Public commenters urged the board to consider the human impacts of any payroll deduction and asked the district to pursue a compassionate resolution.
