Yakima School Board approves two three-year labor agreements, tables equity policy for business meeting

The Yakima School Board on Tuesday approved two three-year collective bargaining agreements and postponed consideration of revisions to the district's educational and racial equity policy.

The board approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Yakima Maintenance Association (YMA). During the item, Anthony (district negotiator/presenter) said the board had received a redline version and highlights; the board moved, seconded and then approved the agreement by roll-call vote: Director Walker Aye; Director Navarro Junior Aye; Director Rice Aye; President Beckett Aye. "Motion passes 4 to 0," the clerk announced.

The board then approved a separate three-year agreement with Teamsters Local 760 for Technology Services. Presenter Anthony noted negotiators Terry Vaughn and Rudy Perez and business representative Richard Salinas; Chris Miller was identified as the lead negotiator on the agreement. That motion also passed on a 4-0 roll-call vote.

Later in the meeting the board considered policy 0550, the district's educational and racial equity policy. Members reviewed ratings and written responses (three responses were filed); one board member expressed concern that one of the returned forms appeared to have skipped questions. Unidentified board member (speaker 9) moved to table discussion of policy 0550 until the business meeting in September, citing the need for fuller responses and broader community messaging. The motion was seconded, and the roll-call vote recorded Director Walker Aye; Director Navarro Junior Nay; Director Rice Aye; President Beckett Aye, with the clerk announcing "Motion passes 3 to 1." President Beckett said the board will revisit the policy in September.

The meeting concluded with the superintendent noting there was no executive session needed and that the district will provide biweekly attendance and enrollment updates to the board.