Benicia Unified approves 2% labor settlements, updates salary schedules and votes to reduce some classified positions

The Benicia Unified School Board on Dec. 19 ratified multiple labor agreements, approved required fiscal disclosures and moved to reduce a set of classified positions that were funded with one‑time COVID‑era dollars.

Labor agreements and AB 1200 disclosures: The board reviewed AB 1200 fiscal disclosure packets (required by county oversight to verify affordability) and ratified tentative agreements with the California School Employees Association (CSEA), the Benicia Teachers Association (BTA) and unrepresented confidential/management groups. Each agreement includes a 2% ongoing increase to salary schedules effective July 1, 2025, and an increase of $98 per month in the district’s medical benefits contribution (effective Nov. 1, 2025). Trustees approved the amended salary schedules and the AB 1200 disclosures in separate votes.

"The tentative agreement includes a 2% ongoing increase to the salary schedule and increases the district's contribution to medical premiums by $98 per month," staff said while summarizing the CSEA and BTA agreements.

Classified‑positions reductions: District staff presented resolution 25‑26‑32 to eliminate or reduce a number of classified positions funded by one‑time COVID funds expected to expire at the end of the fiscal year. Positions identified include reductions in hours for student supervision aides (elementary recess/morning positions), instructional intervention assistants at elementary sites, an IT technician supporting elementary sites, several wellness/mental‑health technician positions and one mental‑health clinician supported in part by one‑time funds.

Staff and trustees discussed mitigation options and potential county support, but acknowledged that many of the positions were created with limited‑term funding. Trustees approved the resolution by roll call (vote recorded as 3‑1); one trustee voted no and one member was absent. Staff said notifications to affected classified employees would follow statutory timelines and provide information about bumping rights and hearing procedures under classified‑service rules.

Budget and first interim: Later in the meeting the district presented its first interim financial report (position as of Oct. 31). The district certified a "Positive" interim — meaning it can meet its obligations in the current and next two years — but noted that negotiated settlements will lower reserve percentages; staff said the assumed reserves were about 9.97% after accounting for settlements and that the March second‑interim will reflect line‑item adjustments.

What happens next: The district will issue notices under the Education Code and classified‑service rules to affected employees in January if reductions proceed. The board will receive updated financials at second interim and continue budget advisory discussions; staff indicated it is exploring alternative grants or county supports to reduce the number of eliminated positions.

Reporting note: The transcript records the motions, roll‑call votes, and the dollar amounts in the labor settlements as presented by staff; AB 1200 documents were provided to the county prior to board action for review.