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Secretarial staff press Valley View board for equitable pay and benefits as contract negotiations continue
Summary
Multiple Valley View office personnel and community members urged the board June 15 to approve an equitable contract for secretarial staff, citing year-round essential duties and asking that health care and competitive wages be prioritized in bargaining.
Members of Valley View office personnel (VVOP), union representatives and community speakers used the public‑comment period on June 15 to press the board for a fair and equitable contract for secretarial staff.
Maria Rises, executive secretary of student services, described a Google‑survey‑based proposal from secretarial staff asking for equitable and competitive salaries and affordable health care. She said staff handled payroll, purchasing, bookkeeping and compliance work — often year‑round — and urged that the district match other employee groups when funding is available. "Don't just tell us that we're essential. Show us that you value our role in the district," Rises said.
Other speakers — including parents and a student — echoed the request and described secretaries as the "heartbeat" of buildings who continue working through the summer to process registrations, support programs and prepare for the school year. Union representatives said negotiations remain active and asked the board to prioritize a timely resolution that recognizes secretaries’ contributions.
Board members said negotiations will continue behind the scenes and acknowledged the comments. The item remains part of ongoing labor discussions between the administration and bargaining units.
