Monrovia Unified teachers raise alarm over payroll and benefits errors; superintendent pledges follow-up

Stephanie Sparks, speaking on behalf of Monrovia Unified teachers during public comment, told the Board of Education that repeated payroll and benefits errors have created a ‘‘systematic problem’’ that requires immediate attention. Sparks said deductions for retirement accounts, flexible spending accounts and other benefits were taken from paychecks but not transmitted to providers, that deductions for health coverage were taken for teachers not enrolled (corrected in October but not reimbursed as of February), and that retroactive checks issued in October remain unresolved for about 50 employees — roughly 20 percent of teachers.

"This is about trust. This is about basic fairness and competency," Sparks said, urging the board and cabinet to devote time and resources to resolving the problems.

Board President Trevante asked Superintendent Dr. Paula Hart Rodas for an update and a follow-up at the next board meeting. Dr. Hart Rodas agreed, saying staff would provide an update and follow-up to the board.

Why it matters: Teachers told the board that money deducted for retirement, health care and other benefits has not reached vendors or been returned when incorrectly withheld. Sparks described instances she said included at least two employees whose premiums were deducted but not sent to American Fidelity, leading to dropped coverage.

What the board directed: The board requested that district staff investigate the issues raised and report back with solutions at the next scheduled board meeting. The superintendent committed to a follow-up.

What’s missing or unclear: Sparks described multiple problems (incorrect transmissions, unreimbursed deductions, unresolved retro checks and dropped insurance coverage). The public comment did not identify specific payroll staff actions or the point(s) of failure in the vendor transmission chain; the superintendent promised a report back but no timeline or remedial steps were specified in the meeting beyond the pledge to return with solutions.

Next steps: The board will expect a staff update at the next board meeting; the district’s written report should state how many employees were affected, the dollar amounts involved, the timeline for reimbursements, and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.