Cajon Valley trustees approve raise to $2,000 amid staff protests

The Cajon Valley Union School District board voted 3–2 on Feb. 17 to authorize an increase in trustee compensation to a maximum of $2,000 per month effective March 1, a change enabled by Assembly Bill 1390.

The decision followed more than an hour of public comment from classified staff and paraeducators who said the proposed increase was poor timing while many frontline employees received only a 2% raise this year. “It is deeply demoralizing for classified staff to witness the board propose a 317% increase for themselves, while simultaneously approving only a 2% salary increase for the dedicated employees who keep this district running daily,” said Laura Morales, a paraeducator who read comments from a colleague.

Speakers representing campus aides, cafeteria workers, bus attendants and office staff urged trustees to reconsider, saying the optics damage trust with employees. “You should be ashamed and embarrassed that this is even up for discussion,” said one commenter who identified herself as Sarah, an office assistant.

Board members debated principles including recruitment and equity. Trustee Jim (speaker identified in transcript as making the motion) argued the stipend compensates significant time requirements and could make board service viable for younger candidates: “Jobs should be compensated,” he said. Trustees also pointed out that accepting the stipend would be optional for each member.

The motion to recommend adoption of the resolution at the maximum amount, subject to each trustee’s acceptance, passed with three votes in favor and two opposed. The board president said members who do not wish to accept the stipend may decline it.

Next steps: the resolution takes effect March 1 and each trustee will decide whether to accept the compensation package.