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Teachers, classified staff and residents urge raises as negotiations continue; unions press board to direct negotiators
Summary
Multiple teachers, union representatives and residents urged the board to approve pay increases — teachers asking for 5% and CSEA seeking 3.75% for classified staff — citing cost of living, turnover and special-education staffing needs; unions said the district budget shows room to negotiate.
During the public-comment period, parents, long-time residents, teachers and union representatives urged the board to prioritize raises for certificated and classified staff amid ongoing negotiations.
A resident said she was "horrified" seeing large district reserves while custodians and teachers struggle with rising costs and asked the board to reconsider compensation offers. Several teachers described expanded job duties and the rising cost of living and asked the board to approve a 5% increase for certificated staff.
Delicia Shattuck, a fourth-grade teacher at Henry Elementary, framed the request as recognition of increased workload and professional demands, saying, "Teaching has changed. The work has become more demanding. Compensation should reflect that reality." Latoya Wallace, a 26-year teacher, described classroom expenses teachers cover out of pocket and called the 5% adjustment a necessity.
Noah Snyder, labor relations representative for CSEA Chapter 203, told the board CSEA's 3.75% proposal for classified staff is within the district's budgeted amounts and asked the board to direct negotiators to reach agreement. Christina Costa, president of CSEA local chapter, presented budget figures from district documents showing increases already built into the classified bargaining unit projection and urged a 3.75% increase as affordable.
An REA representative also urged attention to special education staffing and retention, saying turnover and the use of outsourced contractors undermine consistent services for vulnerable students.
Board members acknowledged the comments and expressed support for employees, with several saying they would continue to advocate during negotiations. The board did not take immediate bargaining action during the meeting; negotiations remain ongoing.
