Classified School District Employees Get 1% Salary Increase

The Novato Unified School District announced that they have reached an agreement with the classified employees union resulting in a 1% salary increase, despite projected revenue cuts from the state and potential layoffs. 

Under the agreement between the NUSD and CSEA (California School Employees Association) classified employees will receive a 1% salary increase and a one-time $600 salary payment for full time employees or a one-time $300 payment for less than half-time employees. Salary payments are planned to be distributed by mid-February.

The increase will affect support staff, custodians, food service, maintenance and administration, according to Pam Conklin, NUSD director of human resources.

“The district was able to identify funds and offer the increase to our employees,” Conklin said. “It’s also the first increase in three years.”

“This demonstrates our respect and the value of our employees, even given these fiscally challenging times,” Conklin said.

Mark Miller, the first vice president of the local chapter of CSEA, said the amount was disapointing given the length of time they gone without any increase.

"We're happy that we got something but it's not keeping up with costs like medical," Miller said.

In a statement, the district stated that it has operated with roughly $45 million less revenue over the last four years but has been able to maintain a 180-day school year, not enforce furlough days, maintained step-and-column increases and has not decreased salaries. 

However, Conklin said that layoffs are anticipated this year and the school board will take up the issue on Feb. 28.