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Board approves certificated compensation study amid union objections over outsourcing
Summary
Trustees approved a $31,950 engagement with Educational Management Solutions to run a certificated compensation and market analysis after staff recommended a deeper structural review; one trustee voted no amid concerns about outsourcing and timing during layoffs.
The board authorized a certificated compensation and market analysis on April 1, selecting Educational Management Solutions (EMS) for a proposed $31,950 engagement after staff compared two vendors. Assistant Superintendent Matthew Chamberlain said the EMS proposal offered a comprehensive internal‑structure review, market comparisons to 10–12 comparable districts, cost modeling and phased implementation planning.
Chamberlain framed the study as a tool to retain and attract certificated staff, address pay inconsistencies and produce defensible data for negotiations and budgeting. He noted that the district originally sought a broader classification and compensation review that would include classified staff, but CSEA declined to participate in a joint third‑party process, leading staff to bring a certificated‑only engagement forward.
Union commenters and community speakers objected to hiring outside consultants for work they argued could be done in‑house, given the district’s simultaneous layoffs. ‘‘You cannot say we don’t have money for people while approving tens of thousands for consultants,’’ one commenter said. Nina Martinez (CSEA) urged the board not to reuse consultants for functions that union members or current staff could perform.
Trustee Young cast the lone no vote; the motion passed 4‑1. Trustees supporting the contract said the study’s local market focus (including nearby Solano County districts) and the speed of a third‑party review are important for immediate recruitment and bargaining needs.
Staff said the study will focus on certificated bargaining units (Vallejo Education Association and Vallejo School Management Association) and that a future comprehensive classified study could be proposed if CSEA participates. Chamberlain said the EMS team includes California‑experienced HR leaders and that the district will manage consultant travel expenses.
Next steps: District staff will finalize a contract with EMS, begin stakeholder consultation and return findings and recommended implementation phasing to the board to inform budget and negotiations.
