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Classified staff tell Calexico Unified board to 'do better' over health‑benefit cuts and 1.15% raise
Summary
Classified employees and union leaders delivered a series of public comments urging the Calexico Unified School District to continue covering 100% of classified staff health benefits and to improve a 1.15% salary proposal, describing financial strain and staffing gaps; trustees said they remain committed to negotiating in good faith.
Classified employees and union representatives filled the public‑comment period at the Calexico Unified School District board meeting, pressing trustees to restore full health‑benefit coverage and to negotiate higher pay than the district’s 1.15% salary proposal.
Elizabeth Eskeella, identified as the classified chapter president, told the board the proposed deductions from employees’ health benefits and the 1.15% salary offer placed many workers in an impossible position, saying, "Do better." She said staff shortages are forcing employees to cover multiple roles and contributing to stress and health problems.
Several speakers gave personal examples. Huana Mesa, who said she has worked for the district more than 10 years, described mounting medical bills and asked trustees to remember that "classified employees are the backbone" of daily school operations. Maria Wu, who said she has worked for the district for 28 years, called the combined proposal of insurance cost‑sharing and a 1.15% salary increase "ridiculous." Molly Beltran, a 27‑year employee and school administrative assistant, said rising costs make it harder to serve students at the same level and asked trustees to consider the human impact of the proposals.
Union leaders and chapter officers called for 100% district payment of health benefits and for a salary offer that gives classified staff basic economic security. Crystal Casares, Collexico CSA chapter first vice president, asked the board to "negotiate in good faith" and described health care coverage as a necessity rather than a luxury.
Trustees acknowledged the comments during board reports and said they intend to continue the negotiation process. Trustee Calderon told speakers the board is committed to negotiating in good faith; no formal decision was made during the meeting.
The board did not take a vote on the compensation or benefit proposals during the public session. Several items related to collective bargaining and personnel were scheduled for discussion in closed session or future agendas, and the board said items 15–17 would be taken up after closed session.
