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Teachers tell Monrovia board district priorities favor reserves over pay
Summary
During public comment at a board meeting held during Teacher Appreciation Week, educators criticized the district’s bargaining stance and asked the board to prioritize compensation and health benefits for staff.
Two educators used public comment to press the board on salary and bargaining negotiations, saying the district’s approach showed a mismatch between stated values and budget priorities.
Ryan Menlove, speaking during public comment, said recent bargaining outcomes highlighted a preference for higher reserve balances rather than raising staff pay. "This experience has been incredibly valuable," he said, adding the district remains "among the lowest paid in Los Angeles County."
Stephanie Sparks followed with a critique of the district’s counteroffer, saying it ‘‘signals a step away from meaningful, good‑faith bargaining.’’ Sparks cited state cost‑of‑living adjustments and said Monrovia has passed on a significant portion of those increases to teachers over multiple years.
Both speakers urged the board to negotiate wages and benefits that reflect the work of classroom staff and to address disparities noted in county salary comparisons. The comments were entered into the public record; trustees acknowledged the remarks but did not take immediate action during the meeting.
Board members said the topics raised underscore the need for continued bargaining discussions and transparency about district budget priorities.
