Bargaining packet includes miscellaneous-benefits edits: mileage, fitness, background checks and staff access to excess food

During the review of Article 24, negotiators outlined multiple edits to miscellaneous benefits.

Key changes presented include simplifying mileage reimbursement to the current IRS rate, extending fitness-membership eligibility beyond drivers to all classified employees, and retaining district payment for fingerprinting and criminal-record checks while removing redundant reimbursement language. The union also proposed aligning criminal-history rechecks with volunteer requirements to avoid repeated out-of-pocket checks for classified employees who are also volunteer parents.

On food access, negotiators proposed that excess edible food at the end of meals that cannot be saved for future service be provided at no cost to classified staff in the building rather than discarded, citing high food waste and the burden of heavy trash bags on custodial staff. District representatives discussed portioning and management discretion in meal planning but did not oppose finding a workable approach.

Representatives also clarified the frequency of background checks and indicated the district runs regular cycles; parties agreed to adjust language and return with a revised draft that better aligns operational practice with CBA language.