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Classified employees urge parity in benefits and warn of transportation staffing crisis
Summary
Classified workers and union representatives urged the board for more equitable health-and-welfare caps and salary increases; bus drivers and union representatives warned of driver shortages and a looming labor action against contractor First Student that is disrupting routes.
Several public commentators used the board’s public-comment period to press for changes in employee compensation and to raise urgent concerns about student transportation.
A classified district employee, reading a letter, said rising insurance costs had eroded the benefit of recent step increases and left her taking home less money than a year ago. "I have been a dedicated employee for 25 years now...I am now taking home less than I was at this time last year," the commenter said, urging the board to act.
Maria Aquino, the CSCA labor relations representative for Corona Norco chapter 369, described a significant discrepancy in health-and-welfare caps: classified employees’ caps ranging from $9,000 (single) to $13,500 (family) compared with management and confidential employees who have a reported annual cap of $20,853. Aquino asked the board to seek parity in benefits and to approve a reasonable salary increase for classified staff for 2024–25, noting rising inflation and basic living needs.
Lorena from the California School Employees Association reiterated concerns about negotiations and members’ financial hardships. Separately, Kathy Jamieson reported that negotiations with First Student, the district’s contracted transportation provider, had not produced an economics proposal; she said driver shortages were causing inconsistent routes and that the union would move toward a third-day stand in hopes of reaching the table. Jamieson said the shortages leave students waiting on corners and call for the board to press for a timely resolution.
Board members acknowledged the comments and staff said they may follow up with commenters in writing or through staff outreach.
