Teachers and classified staff urge Rialto board to use reserves to settle contracts and add aides

Representatives of the Rialto Education Association and the California School Employees Association urged the Rialto Unified School District Board of Education on Oct. 8 to prioritize contract settlements and staffing increases to address classroom safety and staff burnout.

A REA speaker said teachers have accepted concessions in prior years and now seek a settlement that reflects the district’s current finances. The speaker noted the district “now has $200 million in reserves” and asked the board to direct staff to settle the contract soon.

Christina Costa, speaking for CSEA, described a rise in behavioral incidents and said the district needs more instructional aides and more security officers on campuses: “Our aides are covering too many classrooms, juggling too many needs… We are a community that believes in safety, respect, and opportunity for all. Let’s prove it by putting real support where it is needed most,” she said.

A Communication Workers of America representative voiced support for both labor groups and said the priority should be compensating staff to avoid burnout.

Trustees listened and did not adopt a contract on Oct. 8. The board took no immediate budgetary vote to reallocate reserves; members asked staff to continue negotiations and review options. Several trustees expressed public appreciation for staff and acknowledged the unions’ requests would be part of upcoming bargaining sessions.

Next steps: union leaders and district negotiators will continue negotiations; the board did not set a timetable for a settlement during the Oct. 8 meeting.