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Union urges volunteer help for parcel-tax measure; custodial layoffs pulled from tonight's agenda
Summary
The Santa Monica Malibu Classroom Teachers Association endorsed a citizens' parcel tax to raise $12 million to retain teachers and asked for volunteers to collect 10,000 signatures; Local 99 representatives said proposed layoffs were pulled from the agenda and called for bargaining, livable wages and against contracting out work.
SANTA MONICA — Claudia Bautista Nichols, speaking for the Santa Monica Malibu Classroom Teachers Association, thanked the board for listening to educators and urged collaborative decision-making around the district budget. The union announced endorsement of a citizens’ parcel tax measure described in the presentation as a $12 million measure to retain current teachers and avoid up to 73 layoffs; she asked volunteers to help gather 10,000 verifiable signatures to place the measure on the ballot.
Shortly afterward, a Local 99 representative reported that votes on layoffs were pulled from the agenda that evening and warned that threats of layoffs create instability. The speaker urged the district to bargain with Local 99, increase hours and wages for custodial workers so they can access medical benefits, and to stop contracting out work Local 99 members perform.
Board members acknowledged the comments; the superintendent said the district is continuing budget conversations and praised community partners for support.
