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Union leaders warn of strike as fact‑finding begins; board votes to non‑reelect probationary administrator
Summary
At the March 11 Carpinteria Unified board meeting union representatives said PERB directed 2023–24 contract talks to fact‑finding and warned a rejected recommendation could lead to employee action. Public commenters urged preserving Family School and GATE programs. The board approved Resolution 25937 to non‑reelect probationary employee #1617 (vote 4–0; 1 absent).
Union leadership told the Carpinteria Unified School District board on March 11 that the 2023–24 contract negotiations have been directed to fact‑finding by the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). The union representative warned that if the district rejects a fact‑finder's substantive recommendation, employees may consider job action, though the speaker said a strike is a last resort.
"The union has received notification from California Public Employment Relations Board perb that the 23 24 negotiations now 21 months ongoing have been directed to fact finding," the union representative said during public comment.
Public comment also focused on program cuts tied to budget pressure. Jessica Petrillo, speaking as a Family School parent, urged the board "to avoid drastic short‑sighted decisions that could permanently permanently impact this unique and valuable program" and proposed a no‑cost staffing alternative to keep a K–3 class at Family School. Another public commenter who identified themselves as connected to GATE presented data, saying "62% of Aliso students did not meet math standards" and noting high percentages not meeting science standards, arguing GATE students need more opportunities rather than cuts.
During the personnel portion of the meeting the board adopted Resolution 25937, a non‑reelection notice for a certificated probationary administrative employee identified in Exhibit A only by employee number 1617. The board read the resolution aloud (citing Education Code notice provisions) and carried the motion by roll call: 4 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain, 1 absent.
Union leadership and public commenters urged the board to consider a contingency formula to share any unanticipated property tax revenues with employees; the union characterized the district's multi‑year projections as conservative and suggested such a formula would allow both parties to share future revenue gains.
Why it matters: The move to fact‑finding formalizes a procedural step in the bargaining process and can increase pressure on both sides. The non‑reelect action is a formal personnel decision with potential site‑level impacts depending on the affected administrator's assignment; the district did not publicly name the employee during the meeting.
What's next: The fact‑finding report will be issued by an impartial fact‑finder; if either party rejects the recommendation the union described steps available to employees, including further bargaining responses. The board will proceed with personnel notices as required by the Education Code.
