February 2025

ERS

• Steve Rockenbach stated that he and other representatives will be meeting with the council regarding the PERB case (reduction in hours that was illegally done).  He said he would get back to us with a decision.
• It was said that all employees of the bargaining unit were to be given notice of the Juneteenth settlement.  Those who have been notified have submitted their forms for compensation.
• Due to ST funding, we may not have as many positions this year.
• ESY which is Special Education Summer School extended school year and our high school programs, will be operating based on numbers.  Staffing should be normal.  There will not be as many additional positions due to changes in funding from the state.  There was a much larger Summer SEAL and Enrichment program over the summer.  Unfortunately, the funding for that is not where it was.  
• There will be a program for Early Learning opportunities.  It will expand a little bit this year.  
• Due to this lack of funding, there will be a reduction of work which affects clerical staff.  This would affect more so on the certificated side.
• Administrator Olivia suggested we have an MOU in place due to changes that may come with increasing costs of our medical benefits.

Personnel Commission

• The Classified Employees Celebration will be held at the TRC on May 23rd.  PC is currently reaching out to vendors.
• More people are added to the committee.
• To date, 377 Summer School applications have been submitted.
• 18 substitute applications have also been submitted.

Health and Benefits

AETNA Legislative Updates

Federal

• Trump executive orders are looking into tax cuts and limit the ability to negotiate drugs (for Medicare).
• Concerns on regulating pharmacy managers will lead to higher pharmacy prices.

State

• Newsom will term out in 2026.
• The proposed budget includes protecting Medicaid, subsidies in Covered California (to lower the cost for health insurance), behavioral initiatives, and increasing transparency to health benefits managers and pharmacies (will result in lower cost of drugs).
• Legislations to prohibit limits to menopause and insulin drug coverages.

Updates from Bill

• Hinge Health for virtual physical therapy for chronic issues.
• Members should look into our health benefits incentive programs.
• Employees need to be more aware of their health:  Better sleep, healthy diet, mental health,  adherence to medication, and health and vision exams.

January 2025

Professional Development 1/14/2025

• Met with the Personnel Commission - Discussed the application process.  District employees can call the Personnel Commission with any questions.
• If anyone walks into the Personnel Commission seeking assistance with the completion of their job application, staff will be on hand to assist with any questions or concerns.  
• To receive a total of five extra points to their overall placement score, they need to provide proof of attendance, completion of courses you may have taken through the portal, and also any training or seminars you have attended.
• For promotional points and lost time capture, they will look into how the new software will allow employees to access the website to obtain points for attendance.  
• For office staff regarding custody issues at drop off and pick up time, school personnel should check Synergy first.

Personnel Commission

• August 11, 2023, there were 727 approved and funded classified vacancies.  As of December 12, 2024, the number of vacancies has decreased to 547.  The number is expected to decrease by filling vacancies and working with the Office of School Support Services to abolish vacant positions. 
• Former CSEA Site Representative Coordinator Eric Larsen was acknowledged for retirement as a Sign Maker.

Employee Relations (ERS)

• The District has the intent to continue to participate in the Summer Saver program.  SIgnups for 10-11 months eligible employees will be able to sign up when it is ready.  
• Juneteenth claim forms were sent out to CSEA-eligible employees.  Check your district emails.
• The District will fund 10 Paraeducators to go to the CSEA Paraeducator Conference in March.  Expenses will be covered. Sponsored employees are expected to report back what they learned from the conference, do a presentation, and a little training in Professional Development.
• Concerns on contracted aides - the District had 8-hour contracts last year, this school year is now only 6 hours.  We need to know if we are seeing 8-hour contracted aides in the district.  Please contact the hotline if you are aware of sites with 8-hour contracted aides.