Sonoita Elementary District board updates classified pay schedule, approves staff pay adjustments and a substitute hire

Sonoita Elementary District trustees voted Dec. 2 to update the district’s Classified Placement/Step Schedule to align with a minimum-wage increase and approved related personnel actions affecting substitute staff.

Business Manager Heidi Gonzales explained the schedule changes proposed to bring classified positions into compliance with the higher minimum wage. Vice President Nancy Webster moved to adopt the update and Aaron Thomas seconded; the motion carried 3-0.

The board also approved a set of personnel motions tied to the revised schedule. Trustees approved an hourly increase for substitute paraprofessional Jessica Orona to step 1 on the adopted schedule, effective Jan. 1, 2026. They advanced Lindsey Beal, who serves as a substitute paraprofessional and kitchen substitute, to step 3 effective Jan. 1, 2026. Both motions were moved by Nancy Webster, seconded by Aaron Thomas and passed unanimously by the three voting trustees present.

In a separate personnel action the board approved hiring Jennifer Woods as a substitute paraprofessional effective immediately and authorized hiring her as a substitute teacher upon receipt of an Emergency Substitute Certification sponsored by SESD #25. That motion likewise passed 3-0.

These items were presented during the portion of the meeting addressing classified pay and personnel and were recorded as individual motions in the minutes. No dissent or amendments were recorded in the minutes. The schedule update and the personnel actions will be implemented in accordance with the effective dates stated in the motions.