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Classified staff urge Escondido Union board to seek livable wages during extended public comment
Summary
Classified employees and CSEA representatives told the board that many staff work multiple jobs or rely on food banks and urged the district to prioritize meaningful wage increases rather than suggest writing to state legislators.
Classified employees and CSEA representatives delivered a series of personal statements at the Escondido Union School District board meeting on Jan. 28, urging the board to take action to address low wages for office managers, paraeducators, custodians, food-service workers and family liaisons.
Vivian Garcia, identified by the board as a public commenter, urged the board to write to Sacramento about district funding and to closely examine district expenditures so pay is distributed “fairly.” She told the board that when administrators are described as being in the top 15% of salaries, “it feels insulting to be told that there is no money for classified employees while management continues to receive a larger piece of the pie.”
The district’s CSEA representative read multiple statements from classified staff who described working second or third jobs, relying on public assistance and visiting local food distribution events. One CSEA speaker said, “We want to continue serving EUSD with pride and stability, but fair and livable wages are essential for retention, morale, and overall well-being.” Board members listened and acknowledged the concerns during the meeting’s board reports.
The board did not vote on a wage increase at this meeting. Trustees suggested continuing dialogue with labor groups and pursuing advocacy with state legislators; Trustee Paulson said he has raised the issue with local legislators. The district’s labor and compensation items were addressed later in the agenda (see personnel and HR items).
