Trustees ratify AFSCME tentative agreement extending health coverage to part-time classified staff

Sequoia Union High School District trustees on June 26 unanimously ratified a tentative agreement (TA) with AFSCME Local 829 that district and union leaders described as a historic expansion of benefits for part-time classified employees.

Todd Beale, the district’s superintendent of human resources, told the board the agreement covers several priorities negotiated during reopening talks, including full single-party health coverage for part-time classified staff, formation of a committee to study catastrophic leave options, stipend payments for employees who earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees above the requirements of their positions, and clarifications to discipline procedures. "This was a great collaboration with the association and the district," Beale said.

Chris Shipoister, who identified himself as the newly appointed AFSCME chapter president, called the TA "a landmark decision" and said it "exemplifies our collective commitment to equity and support for all members of our community." He thanked the district and HR staff for their work in reaching the agreement.

The board approved the TA by roll call vote, 5–0. Board members did not amend the agreement at the meeting. The district noted that salary reopeners for the 2023–24 reopeners remain open for further negotiation in the coming year.

The agreement will be implemented through the district’s HR and payroll processes; the board did not give an implementation timeline at the meeting but staff indicated existing administrative steps would follow to put benefit enrollments and stipend provisions in place.