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Parents call for campus officers as union speakers press for apprenticeship, contractor standards on Measure C projects
Summary
During public comment, parents urged reinstating officers on campuses to improve school safety; NorCal Carpenters representatives urged the district to require higher contractor standards, apprenticeships, fair wages and healthcare on upcoming Measure C construction projects.
Several members of the public used the Dec. 18 board meeting to press trustees on safety and construction standards.
Michelle Cooper urged the board to "make school safety our top priority" and asked trustees to "put officers back on our campus as soon as possible," citing a recent school shooting elsewhere and saying reinstating officers would provide mentors and responders on campus.
Representatives from the NorCal Carpenters Union and Carpenters Local 1599 urged the district to adopt higher contractor standards for bond construction work, prioritize apprenticeship programs, fair wages and health care for workers, and consider local hiring. Sergio Bras, speaking for NorCal Carpenters, described how apprenticeship programs provide training, livable wages and benefits and said such programs are "crucial in upholding a thriving industry." Chris Martinez of Carpenters Local 1599 urged the board to ensure contractors on school projects are responsible and support local workforce development.
Board members acknowledged the comments; trustees also noted that Measure C planning meetings are underway and that upcoming procurement and project standards will be part of the bond implementation process.
