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Teachers and parents press board for larger raises as bargaining continues
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Summary
Multiple public commenters — teachers, parents and union representatives — criticized a district counteroffer of 0.75% and urged the board to seek a 5–7% raise; presenters linked low offers to retention, recruitment and student impacts and asked the board to direct stronger bargaining.
Dozens of public commenters urged the El Monte City School District Board on Tuesday to demand higher teacher pay during ongoing negotiations with EMETA and other bargaining units.
Jesus Rodriguez, a parent and local business owner, told the board he supported a 5% raise and said smaller increases amount to a pay cut when compared with rising local costs. "A 7% raise is not excessive, and we're asking for 5," Rodriguez said during public comment.
Union representatives and teachers echoed that message. Pedro Galindo read a statement from a member criticizing the district’s 0.75% counteroffer as "a slap in the face," arguing that educators are being asked to absorb the consequences of reduced funding tied to declining enrollment. Oscar Pinto, a language‑arts teacher, described increases in food, gas and medication costs and asked the board to bargain in good faith. "This proposal does not reflect the economic realities our members are facing," he said.
Gary Chang, a music teacher who spoke on behalf of members wanting to remain anonymous, asked the board to direct district negotiators to return to the table with a more substantial offer, saying the current response risks morale and retention. Several speakers also requested stipends for specialized credentials (for example, national CCC certification for SLPs).
Board members listened but did not announce changes to bargaining positions at the meeting; the board recessed to closed session under government code for conference with labor negotiators and later resumed, with officials saying no action was taken in closed session. The district also held a public hearing to present CSCA (chapter 356) initial proposals as required by EERA.
The board approved several routine resolutions and an instructional‑calendar MOU in the business portion of the meeting, but the bargaining discussion from public comment remains unresolved pending negotiations.
