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Classified staff urge board for 10% pay increase, cite turnover and market gap
Summary
CSEA representatives and classified employees told the board that low starting wages and rising turnover undermine student supports, asking the district to pursue a 10% compensation increase in upcoming negotiations to retain paraprofessionals, food services and other classified staff.
During the public‑comment period James Jacobs, president of the San Marino CSEA, and several classified employees urged the board to prioritize classified compensation in contract negotiations and to consider a 10% raise to improve retention and staffing stability.
"If we want to maintain San Marino's level of excellence, we have to invest in the entire roster, not just the starters," James Jacobs said, arguing that classified staff are essential to day‑to‑day student support. The meeting included a letter read on behalf of paraprofessional Matt Wilson urging that a 10% increase is about closing a market gap, not extras; the reader said paraprofessionals in the district start around $18.50 per hour, while neighboring districts pay $20–$23, creating turnover pressure.
Other commenters backed the request with personal context: Ben Cordiero (24‑year paraprofessional) said some classified staff work multiple jobs to cover living costs; Diana Cho Glass, whose remarks were read by a colleague, described taking on different roles and the financial stress of full‑time employment that still leaves some employees living paycheck to paycheck.
Speakers asked the board to align starting wages with nearby districts and noted the district’s strong financial position as a reason to act. Board members thanked speakers and did not take an immediate action during public comment; the appeals were recorded for consideration during upcoming negotiations and budget planning.
The public‑comment segment followed board action on proclamations and policy readings earlier in the meeting and precedes additional board communications. No formal response or vote on compensation was taken at the meeting.
