Teachers, staff urge higher pay and restored stipends during Cajon Valley meeting

Hundreds of educators filled the Cajon Valley Union School District boardroom on Nov. 4 to press trustees for higher pay and to urge restoration of a special-education stipend the district’s contract negotiators proposed to remove.

Several staff members described working multiple jobs, splitting housing, and struggling to afford basic expenses while serving students. "By removing the sped stipend and offering a 0.75% raise, I am in essence receiving a pay cut," said Aubrey Nevin, an education specialist at Blossom Valley. "Please reconsider your contract offer so that we can continue to make Cajon Valley the best place to live, work, and raise a family," she said.

Why it matters: Board members oversee the district budget and must consider both fiscal constraints and the district’s ability to recruit and retain qualified staff. Public testimony emphasized that low take-home pay and increased healthcare costs are already prompting experienced educators to consider leaving.

Union and finance claims: Steve, speaking for the Cajon Valley Educators Association (CVEA), said the district’s unaudited actuals increased reserves from $79.8 million to $88.6 million in one year and urged the board to reallocate funds toward employee compensation. "That's not financial struggle. That's financial strength," he said. District officials and bargaining leadership did not adopt a new settlement during the meeting; several board members said negotiations must continue in bargaining sessions.

Voices from classrooms: Teachers at multiple grade levels described the workload and legal obligations tied to special-education services. Laura Bowen, a speech-language pathologist with 35 years in the district, said staff routinely complete legally defensible reports and IEPs outside work hours. Several education specialists and paraeducators noted that rising insurance costs and reduced stipends disproportionately affect six-hour employees and those who rely on district benefits to insure families.

Student testimony and community support: An eighth grader, Will Kingsolver, told trustees he supports higher pay for teachers: "When we support our teachers, we are supporting the students," he said. PTA council leaders also spoke in favor of supporting staff and highlighted community events tied to student engagement.

What happened next: The board did not take final action on contract language during the meeting; public comment and union reports were entered into the record and negotiation discussions will continue in bargaining sessions.

Next steps: Board members requested budget and policy follow-ups (including a midyear LCAP metrics update) and indicated several items will return for future discussion or bargaining updates. The community remains engaged and expects additional bargaining sessions before any ratification.