Classified staff pay and bargaining draw public pleas as board readies levy renewal

Union representatives and members of the public urged the Seaside School District 10 Board to address classified staff pay and payroll problems as the district prepares a levy renewal.

Sarah Walker, State President of OSEA, told the board that the district has "a magnificent group of educated professionals" and asked board members to consider how levy passage translates to pay increases, asking, "how much is that when you get a ninety cent raise?" She noted that roughly 75% of classified staff live in the district and said the board is essentially asking the community to tax itself while staff remain underpaid.

Trissa Como, a community member, said it was "breaking her heart to see what is going on with classified staff and the negotiation situation," urged board members to engage parents about students’ welcome at school and expressed support for staff. Earlier in the meeting, OSEA Chair Meghan McKeowen reported ongoing payroll and leave issues and agreed to provide a list of staff needing leave corrections so Business Manager Toni Vandershule could adjust balances. Vandershule said leave has been corrected where possible and requested the list.

Board members responded in the reflections portion, with Kevin LaCoste saying they are "on the same page and doing the best we can with the resources we have," and Sondra Gomez noting that some board members are former classified staff and emphasizing that all staff are important to student success. The board did not take formal action on pay at the meeting but discussed continued negotiation and follow-up with staff.