Classified employees press Calexico Unified board to keep health benefits and boost pay

Speakers during the public‑comment period framed the central issue as a labor and benefits dispute in ongoing contract negotiations with Calexico Unified.

Adrian Ramos, a district employee who said he became a full‑time employee in 2024, told the board he did not choose to have his benefits cut and urged trustees to “choose what’s proper” for classified staff. Renee Pollard, a labor relations representative with the California School Employees Association (CSEA), told the board the negotiations still hinge on salaries and benefits and said the district’s proposal would cap the district’s premium contributions and could force some members to pay over $600 per month for coverage. Pollard said classified staff are paid less than comparable districts and that a 1.15% salary increase is inadequate.

Alej Cortez, a custodian and 28‑year district employee, described the proposed premium requirement as “unacceptable,” noted recent administrative raises for the superintendent and assistant superintendent, and said she was casting a vote of no confidence in district leadership over the change in benefits. Elizabeth (CSEA chapter president) and Alejandra Zamora (school technician and e‑board member) reiterated that classified staff are essential to operations and said the salary offer and benefit changes do not reflect employees’ value.

Patricia Beresco, a retiree, asked the board to direct HR to improve communications about retiree health benefits, saying retirees received late notices and unclear payment instructions. Other commenters, speaking on behalf of classified staff, called for the district to continue covering 100% of full‑time classified employees’ health‑care premiums.

The board did not take action during public comment; later in the meeting trustees proceeded with the consent agenda and other business.