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CSEA tells board to reconsider abolishing tree-trimmer classification, alleges contracting and stipend inconsistencies
Summary
CSEA Chapter 183 leaders told the board they had negotiated a successor contract and thanked the board for a 5% raise, then raised issues including the proposed elimination of a tree-trimmer classification, alleged contracting choices that pay higher rates than classified staff, and inconsistent enforcement of advanced-degree stipends.
Representatives from CSEA Chapter 183 used the public-comment period to press the San Bernardino City Unified School District board on labor and contracting practices and to seek reversals or additional oversight.
Oni Himenez, chapter president, announced the successor contract signing and thanked the board for approving a 5% raise. But labor negotiators then raised several concerns. Monica Contras, labor relations representative, urged the board to reconsider a planned abolishment of the district's tree-trimmer classification, saying the district relies on an annual contract with a minimum of $250,000 and possible extensions that could reach $2.5 million. Contras warned that contracting for trade work can cost more over time than retaining classified positions and argued for preserving bargaining-unit jobs.
Contras also described an apparent change in a vendor contract that altered worker categories (described in the comments as moving positions from "student intern" to "program assistant") and alleged the revised contract increased projected costs from about $495,000 to roughly $800,000. She and Latoya Smith accused the district of inconsistent enforcement of an advanced-degree stipend: they said classified employees must repay overpayments but that some classified managers continued to receive stipends after promotion and, they claimed, were not required to repay about $25,000 that the union identified.
The speakers urged transparency on contracting and payroll practices and asked the board to restore parity in the application of contractual rules. Latoya Smith said the union's records requests had been delayed by months, which hindered timely review; the union urged immediate actions to stop questionable payments and to recover funds if necessary.
Board members did not debate or resolve the labor claims during the meeting; President directed staff to provide a Friday update addressing the issues CSEA raised. No district official provided a substantive rebuttal on the record during public comment.
The union remarks included specific allegations about contract amounts and stipend overpayments. The board asked for follow-up information but did not vote on reversals or reopen bargaining during the meeting.
