Teachers, parents and students press Corona‑Norco board over pay, benefits and staffing as union organizing grows

Dozens of teachers, parents and students told the Corona‑Norco Unified School District board on May 5 that long‑running pay and benefit gaps are driving frustration and threatening classroom stability.

At least three classroom teachers and several union representatives delivered successive public comments pointing to data on district‑funded fringe benefits and beginning salaries that they say leave CNUSD educators behind neighboring districts. Matt Eden, a teacher, said more than 700 educators, spouses and community members rallied outside a recent meeting and described that turnout as a warning sign of escalating pressure on the district.

The speakers framed their concerns as both fiscal and moral. Shashana Harris, a classroom teacher, cited figures she obtained from the district benefits page showing substantially higher district contributions for certificated management than for teachers, and called the distribution of benefits “inequitable.” Diana Katigan, a DHH specialist who identified herself as the Corona‑Norco site support provider of the year for 2026, said membership “is pissed” and warned that members feel “empowered” — a comment she followed by saying she would strike again if necessary. “Don’t tell us teachers that you value us. Show us,” Katigan said.

Several commenters named specific district spending choices they said were inconsistent with claims that the district places educators first, including consultant contracts and administrative pay increases. Charlie Eichelberry, a senior at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, and multiple parents urged trustees to reconsider priorities in favor of classroom staff and programs.

Union leaders and employee association representatives told the board their members are engaged and organized. CNTA said site representatives are conducting structured conversations and that the union increased dues to expand organizing and member engagement as the bargaining process continues in mediation.

The board did not take immediate action on bargaining demands during the meeting. Superintendent comments acknowledged the frustration and thanked speakers for their engagement; trustees also said they heard the concerns and asked staff for follow‑up. In closed session the board later announced personnel notices and one classified dismissal, but those actions were not tied in the readout to bargaining or the public comments.

What happens next: school union representatives said site‑level conversations will continue and that members are weighing different paths forward in mediation. The district said it will continue negotiations and review public input; no formal agreement or timeline was announced at the meeting.