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Teachers and unions urge 5% pay increase as Rialto Unified board hears public comment
Summary
Multiple teachers and union representatives told the Rialto Unified board that rising costs — a cited 4.5% CPI for the region — are driving staff to take second jobs and risk leaving; they asked trustees to prioritize a 5% raise while district staff pledged continued budget review and negotiations.
Teachers, classified staff and union representatives pressed the Rialto Unified School District Board of Education on Jan. 21 to approve a 5% pay increase, saying a 4.5% rise in the local cost of living has eroded take‑home pay and harmed retention.
"El costo de vida ha subido un 4.5% ... Por favor, aprueben el 5% para que podamos retener al personal con experiencia," said Shelly Castello, a fourth‑grade teacher and union representative, during the public‑comment period. Other speakers told trustees they are taking second jobs to cover basic expenses and that each lost teacher disrupts continuity for students.
Why it matters: Trustee compensation and staffing decisions are tied to the district budget and to classroom outcomes. Speakers said modest percentage increases are essential to keep experienced educators in classrooms and to avoid turnover costs.
Board and staff response: Superintendent Alejandro Álvarez thanked commenters and cited ongoing budget workshops. Trustees acknowledged the appeals but cautioned against promising increases without a formal budget calculation. Vice President Montes said the board cannot make an open promise without verifying fiscal stability, and trustees urged continued negotiations with unions and further budget analysis.
What happens next: Multiple speakers and union delegates asked the district to return concrete fiscal scenarios and to continue collective‑bargaining talks. The board scheduled upcoming budget workshops and the next regular meeting for Feb. 11, 2026, where fiscal proposals and contract negotiations may be revisited.
Notable quotes from the meeting: "Cuando la inflación es un 4.5%, un 5% de mejora no lo resuelve, pero vemos la realidad," said teacher Laur Dean, describing the competitive pay environment. "Estamos pidiendo no quedarnos atrás."
The board did not take an immediate vote on districtwide raises during the Jan. 21 meeting; union leaders said they will continue negotiations and asked the board to prioritize salary adjustments in the coming budget cycle.
