Union leaders raise alarms over sudden dress-code memo as trustees weigh next steps

Leaders for classified employees used the Sept. 10 board meeting to press the district over a dress-code and grooming memo they said was distributed with inadequate notice and without bargaining.

Cynthia Navaro, identified in her remarks as CSA President, said the memo arrived at 3 p.m. the previous day and members called her expressing "frustration, genuine concerns, and fear of losing their jobs." Navaro said the association was ready to send a cease-and-desist demand to bargain but was open to working with district leadership. "This is the real concerns and the fear of members calling me late at night yesterday," she said.

PSA President Jason Miller also addressed the board on bargaining priorities and criticized public messaging about fiscal distress given the year-end balances presented by district staff.

District leaders told the board they had been in contact with union representatives and that human-resources staff and cabinet were prepared to negotiate where required by law. Trustees did not adopt a formal board position on the memo during the meeting; several asked staff to continue discussions and provide more details on negotiating timelines and the memo's intended scope.

What's next: Unions said they may issue formal demands to bargain if the district does not engage quickly. The board requested a follow-up report on the memo, its legal basis, and a timeline for any proposed changes to employee dress standards.

Ending: The meeting did not produce a formal settlement or demand resolution; both sides signaled willingness to continue talks.