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Campus security and transportation staff urge higher wages and better staffing in public comments
Summary
Two district employees spoke during public comment: a long-term campus-security staffer described excessive workloads and understaffing tied to low wages; bus drivers recounted long, hazardous shifts during recent fires and urged fair negotiations and staffing support.
Donnell (campus security) told the board he has worked at Santa Monica High School for nearly 28 years and described physically demanding, understaffed conditions for campus security and custodial staff. "It is unnecessary for me to be walking that campus 19,000 steps a day. That's 10 miles I had to do today because we either we don't have enough staff and security," he said, urging the board to support fair wages and staffing so staff can safely complete their duties.
Kathy Yates and Marchelle, both transportation staff, recounted difficult driving conditions during recent fires and long hours spent rerouting displaced students. Yates, who said she had driven for the district for 26 years, described buses stuck in canyon traffic and damage to vehicles. Marchelle said she starts her mornings at 4 a.m. and emphasized frontline employees' dedication to student safety during crises. Both speakers asked the board to prioritize negotiations and support for classified staff.
