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Unions urge Rialto Unified to use reserves and boost staff protections; district highlights school‑year preparations
Summary
Union representatives told the board Rialto USD has large reserves and accused the district of repeated deficit forecasting that erodes trust; district leaders highlighted Unity Summit, new facilities and recognition of eight schools as 'America's Healthiest Schools.'
Union leaders used the public‑comment portion of the Rialto Unified School District Board of Education meeting on Aug. 6 to press the board on budgeting and workplace culture while district leadership highlighted back‑to‑school preparations.
A representative of the Rialto Education Association praised new district leadership and recent professional development but criticized repeated deficit forecasts and urged the district to invest reserves in staff and classrooms. The speaker said the district has about $200 million in reserve and provided examples of prior forecasted deficits that closed in surplus. "On average for the past 5 years, Rialto has overestimated its spending by $42 million each year and underestimated its revenue by 35 million. That's not budgeting. That's theater," the speaker said.
A California School Employees Association representative said classified, certificated and administrative employees feel their voices are suppressed, described fears of retaliation and urged greater transparency and collaboration. "When we suppress those voices, we weaken the very foundation of our schools," the speaker said, calling for renewed trust and accountability.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Gibbs, speaking for the district while Interim Superintendent Dr. Judy White was absent, framed the coming school year as an opportunity to build on community progress. Gibbs highlighted preparations for the Aug. 11 first day of school, the grand opening of new classroom facilities at Eisenhower High School, onboarding of new administrators and staff development, the July 25 Unity Summit (more than 500 attendees) and district participation in National Night Out. Gibbs also announced that eight Rialto schools were named among "America's Healthiest Schools" for 2025 and thanked staff and partners for the work.
Board members responding during member reports reiterated calls for community engagement on the superintendent search and emphasized multilingual communication and family outreach, including clarity about immigration/ICE protocols for families seeking reassurance that students can attend school safely.
The board did not take action in response to the union speakers during the meeting’s public‑comment period; several board members expressed support for unity and pledged follow‑up on community outreach and communication.
