CSEA and teachers’ unit 'sunshine' contract items shared with board; proposals include modest pay changes and benefit caps

Union leaders and district representatives presented ‘‘sunshined’’ bargaining topics the board will consider as negotiators begin talks.

Rory Bruce, president of the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 484, said the classified unit will open Article 11 (pay and allowances) to request a modest increase on the classified salary schedule and a bump in longevity increments from 2.5% to 3%. On Article 12 (health and welfare benefits) he said the unit proposes continuing an 8% cap on annual insurance-cost increases. "Article 11 pay allowances, we're proposing a modest increase to the classified salary schedule that meets recent increases in the cost of living," Bruce said.

CSEA also plans to open Article 9 (hours and overtime) to ask for a two‑week written notice when a shift changes and to seek payout of unused compensatory time on the July 15 payroll. Bruce said those changes were supported by payroll staff and reflect member survey feedback. Separately, Elizabeth Burnham Grama, representing the Santa Cruz County Education Association (certificated unit), announced her unit will open Article 6 (compensation) and Article 8 (personnel evaluation) for the successor agreement for 2026–27.

Board members thanked both union leaders and staff for the collaborative tone. The presentations were informational; no bargaining outcomes were discussed or approved at the meeting.