Board Votes to More Than Double Stipends (Image Credits: Cdn.abcotvs.com)
Fresno – Classified staff at Fresno Unified School District rallied outside offices on Wednesday, urging leaders to prioritize transparency and equity amid a board-approved stipend increase for trustees.[1][2]
Board Votes to More Than Double Stipends
Trustees approved a resolution that raised their monthly compensation from $2,111 to $4,500, effective February 1. The 6-1 vote aligned with Assembly Bill 1390, a state law updating limits unchanged for over 40 years.[3] Five members accepted the change, while Andy Levine dissented and opted out alongside Elizabeth Jonasson-Rosas.
The adjustment qualifies for large districts like Fresno Unified, which serves over 60,000 students daily. Annual costs total around $143,500 from the $1.9 billion budget. Trustee Susan Wittrup described it as an alignment with education code rather than a personal raise.[3]
Employees Chant for Better Conditions
Dozens of bus drivers, custodians, and groundskeepers assembled on North Brawley Avenue, chanting “Sí se puede” during a news conference. They highlighted long hours and financial strain while facing stalled contract talks.[1]…