Keeping with cinching up Measure C, the Board passed Resolution #25-09 Declaring Results of the School Bond Election and Establishing Citizens Oversight Committee for the Bond. Donald Fields of the law firm Orrick gave a detailed presentation on the Bond’s Oversight Committee, stating the Board has 60 days to put the committee in place from tonight’s election result declaration. The next action item was another resolution, read out loud by Superintendent Dr. Vargas, proclaiming January 2025 as School Board Recognition Month.
Hourly classified substitute pay rate was approved to be raised to $17.50, though Board member Karalee Hargrove remained critical of such a small increase, advocating for a larger raise.
“I know that says we’re a dollar ahead, we’re trying to stay ahead of California, but do you think that we could bring this up a little bit more because of how bad we need substitutes? Hear me out… $17.50 an hour for a substitute but people are making 20, 21, 22 dollars an hour at fast food joints? Was it discussed to raise it more to maybe make this more attractive?” asked Hargrove. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Stacy Smalling responded by expressing concern of the raises encroaching on the CSEA salaries, calling it a “balance of those two things.”
When the 42 classified layoffs came to the table, even though most of them were for three hour shifts and aimed to clean them off the budget for position control, Hargrove remained skeptical, advocating for certain positions, and extending the three-hour shifts.
“I know we especially need noon supervisors and behavior physicians but again, you know if they are vacant, it’s probably because they’re three hours away! No one can make money, no one can pay their bills! That is the big issue,” said Hargrove.In last December’s meeting, the Board agreed on the need for additional study sessions in lieu of a second monthly meeting. Originally slated for January 21st, the first study session of 2025 will take place on February 5th or 6th, to be confirmed soon by Dr. Vargas.
