Classified employees press board for higher pay; librarian urges reconsideration of proposed supplement

Speakers during the public-comment period urged the board to prioritize compensation for classified employees and to adopt a meaningful settlement rather than symbolic recognition.

A representative speaking for classified staff said the district often claims to value classified employees but that "words alone do not pay our bills" and urged the board to act. The speaker outlined the essential day-to-day roles classified staff perform and argued that many employees are struggling with rising housing and health-care costs.

Librarian Ingrid Palacios told the board the current proposed average supplement is about $79 and said that is not sufficient given local living costs. "A $79 average is what our work is with is to BOUSD," Palacios said, calling on trustees to reconsider the offer and negotiate a higher settlement.

Board members listened without taking immediate action during public comment. Trustees acknowledged the comments and reiterated that compensation is a district priority; the board did not approve any settlement or change to offer levels during the Sept. 10 meeting.

What happens next: Classified bargaining and management negotiations continue; speakers asked the board to prioritize funding decisions and provide a settlement that recognizes day-to-day work across campuses.