Please join us on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 @ 2:00pm for our welcome back meeting. This meeting will be held at Willie Moreno Jr. High (gym). We hope to see you all there.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support.
The Ralph M. Brown Act is California’s key “sunshine law” designed to make local government decision-making open and accessible. For employees represented by the California School Employees Association (CSEA) working at public school districts, understanding the Brown Act helps ensure your voice and rights are protected in the governing process.
What Is the Brown Act?
Enacted in 1953, the Brown Act guarantees that meetings of local government bodies—including school boards—are open to the public except in very limited circumstances. The law applies to:
School district boards of education
District committees and commissions
Other local legislative bodies
Why Does It Matter to CSEA Employees?
Transparency: You have the right to know what your school board is discussing, deciding, and planning—especially on topics that impact working conditions, staffing, wages, and district policy.
Participation: CSEA members can attend, observe, and offer public comment. Your presence can influence board decisions that directly affect your workplace.
Accountability: When meetings are open, decisions can’t be made “behind closed doors” without public input.
Key Requirements for School Boards
1. Open Meetings
All discussions, deliberations, and actions by the school board must be held publicly unless an exception applies.
2. Notice and Agendas
Meeting agendas must be posted in a publicly accessible place at least 72 hours before a regular meeting.
The agenda must list topics to be discussed or acted upon.
3. Public Comment
CSEA employees and the public must be allowed to comment on any item on the agenda and, within limits, on items not on the agenda.
Boards can set reasonable time limits for speakers but cannot prohibit comments.
4. Accessible Locations
Meetings must be held in places that are accessible to all community members, including those with disabilities.
5. Closed Sessions
These are exceptions, permitted only for specific subjects like personnel matters, pending litigation, or labor negotiations. The board must announce (in general terms) the topic before entering a closed session and report any final decisions afterward.
Brown Act and Labor Relations
CSEA employees, as district staff and union members, are often impacted by:
These issues will appear as agenda items and may also involve closed (confidential) sessions. While labor talks may occur confidentially, the broader process, including approval of agreements, must be public.
Common Questions
Can I be required to register my name to attend? No—everyone has the right to attend anonymously.
Can the board vote in secret on issues like layoffs or salary? No final actions must be taken in public, and the votes of individual members must be recorded.
What if the Brown Act is violated? Complaints can be filed, and courts may nullify actions taken unlawfully.
Tips for CSEA Members
Review published agendas for items affecting your job.
Attend open board meetings—your presence matters.
Use the public comment period to share concerns or support.
The Brown Act exists to ensure openness, fairness, and accountability in the way California school districts are governed. By knowing and using your rights under the Brown Act, CSEA employees help protect transparent decision-making in schools, supporting a stronger voice for all district staff.
Please join us on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 @ 2:00pm for our welcome back meeting. This meeting will be held at Willie Moreno Jr. High (gym). We hope to see you all there.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support.
CSEA 399 Meeting Location
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: William Moreno Jr. High, Multi-purpose room
Address: 1202 Kloke Rd, Calexico, CA 92231
CSEA 399 Meeting Files
June 4, 2025
MEETING RESOLUTION:
MOU Summer Work 2025 voting results:
35 = Yes – 4 = No
Summer Work Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 2025
Voting will take place from 5:45 PM to 6:05 PM.
Your presence is very important, as this vote will impact all members, especially those interested in working during the summer. Please make every effort to attend and cast your vote.
Night custodians will have release time from 5:15 PM to 6:45 PM to attend this meeting.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support.
Enjoy some food and exciting giveaways, and hear from representatives from SISC and Schools First Federal Credit Union. We’ll also share updates from our Chapter Committees, including key news on negotiations, and vote for important issues that affect all members.
Additionally, we will be recognizing our retirees for their years of dedicated service—please join us in honoring their incredible contributions!
Let’s come together to stay informed, celebrate our work, and show our appreciation for those who’ve helped shape our community.
Approval of 2025-2026 Initial Proposal for Successor Contract (Sunshine)
Our Chapter has received a waiver to add the following item to the agenda for this Wednesday’s Chapter Meeting:
2025-2026 Initial Proposal for Successor Contract
The updated agenda and proposal are attached for your review. This item, along with others on the agenda will require a vote by the membership. Your participation is important as we make decisions that affect our future.
Ensuring that every CSEA member understands the inner workings of important processes affecting our jobs and livelihoods. No single process that affects the members of the CSEA 399 community should ever be overlooked. This article has been written to help you understand and by trying to answer the basic questions about the Classification and Compensation Study. So, let’s dive into what this study entails and why it matters to everyone.
Understanding Classification and Compensation Studies
At its core, a classification and compensation study is a comprehensive analysis conducted by organizations to evaluate and establish the structure of job classifications and corresponding compensation levels within the workplace. But what does that mean for us as union members?
Job Classification: Putting Everyone in Their Place
Imagine our workplace as a puzzle, with each position representing a unique puzzle piece. A classification study helps ensure that each piece fits into the puzzle correctly. It begins by examining all the positions within the organization to determine their duties, responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications. Jobs with similar duties and responsibilities are grouped into job classifications or families.
Job Evaluation: Assessing the Worth of Each Piece
Once the jobs are classified, they are evaluated based on various factors such as required education, experience, complexity, decision-making authority, and level of responsibility. This evaluation helps determine the relative worth or value of each job within the organization. Think of it as assigning a point system to each puzzle piece based on its size, shape, and intricacy.
Compensation Analysis: Ensuring Fairness and Equity
Now comes the crucial part – compensation analysis. This involves reviewing current salary and benefits data, benchmarking against industry standards, and ensuring internal equity among similar job classifications. The goal is to ensure that everyone is fairly compensated for the value they bring to the organization. No one wants to feel like they’re getting the short end of the stick, and a proper compensation study helps prevent just that.
Why It Matters to You
You might be wondering why all of this matters to you as a union member. Well, let me break it down for you with a list of the pros and cons of the Classification and Compensation Studies:
Pros of Classification and Compensation Studies:
Fair Pay: A classification and compensation study ensures that your pay is fair and reflects your work. It helps prevent disparities in pay based on factors like gender, race, or personal connections.
Transparency: By clearly defining job classifications and responsibilities, these studies can help protect your job from being arbitrarily changed or eliminated.
Career Growth: Understanding how your position is classified and evaluated can provide insight into potential career advancement opportunities within the organization.
Union Advocacy: Armed with the findings of these studies, our union can better advocate for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions on behalf of all members.
Retention and Recruitment: Fair compensation structures make the organization more attractive to both current employees and potential recruits, helping to retain talent and attract new skilled workers.
Legal Compliance: Classification and compensation studies help organizations comply with labor laws and regulations regarding fair pay practices, reducing the risk of legal disputes and penalties.
Cons of Classification and Compensation Studies:
Time and Resources: Conducting comprehensive studies can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring dedicated staff and financial investment.
Resistance to Change: Employees may resist changes to job classifications or compensation structures, especially if they perceive that it could negatively impact their pay or status within the organization.
Complexity: The process of evaluating job classifications and compensation levels can be complex, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise in human resources and compensation management.
Subjectivity: Despite efforts to create objective evaluation criteria, there may still be subjective elements involved in determining job worth and compensation levels, leading to potential disagreements or perceptions of bias.
Potential for Disruption: Implementing changes based on the findings of classification and compensation studies can disrupt the organization’s operations and may require adjustments to policies, procedures, and employee contracts.
In Conclusion
Classification and compensation studies may seem like complex processes, but they’re crucial for ensuring fairness, equity, and transparency in the workplace. Home this article helps to demystify these processes and ensure that every one of you has the information you need to advocate for your rights and interests in the workplace. After all, knowledge is power, and together, we can build a stronger, more equitable workplace for all.
Our Team has submitted its proposal, which includes a 2.9% ongoing salary schedule increase retroactive to January 1, 2026, a Me Too Clause, holiday double-time pay, and an adjustment to the Health & Welfare Benefits CAPS as follows: $10,000 for a single plan, $19,580 for single plus, and $25,430 for a family plan.
At this time, the District has not responded with a counterproposal. The date for the next negotiation meeting has yet to be determined. We will continue to keep the membership informed as more information becomes available.
Nuestro equipo ha presentado su propuesta, la cual incluye un aumento continuo del 2.9% en la escala salarial retroactivo al 1 de enero de 2026, una Cláusula Me Too, pago doble en días festivos, y un ajuste a los topes de los beneficios de Salud y Bienestar de la siguiente manera: $10,000 para plan individual, $19,580 para plan individual más uno, y $25,430 para plan familiar.
En este momento, el Distrito no ha respondido con una contrapropuesta. La fecha de la próxima reunión de negociaciones aún está por determinarse. Continuaremos manteniendo informada a la membresía conforme se disponga de más información.
Gracias por su continuo apoyo.
January 30, 2026
CSEA Chapter #399 Negotiation Update
Dear Chapter Members,
The District has presented a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would change how seniority is calculated for chapter members—from total hours worked to date of hire. Currently Seniority is determined by the amount of hours worked.
At this time, no decision has been made. We are conducting this SURVEY ONLY to determine how many members would agree with changing seniority from hours to date of hire.
If a sufficient number of members express interest in this change, the MOU would then be brought forward for a vote at a future chapter or special meeting. If there is not enough interest, we will notify the District that the chapter will not be introducing the MOU for a membership vote.
This is a membership-run chapter, and decisions such as this are made by you—the chapter members.
We strongly encourage you to complete the survey and share your input.
El Distrito ha presentado una propuesta de Memorándum de Entendimiento (MOU) para cambiar la manera en que se calcula la antigüedad de los miembros del capítulo, pasando de horas trabajadas a fecha de contratación. Actualmente, la antigüedad se determina por la cantidad de horas trabajadas.
En este momento, no se ha tomado ninguna decisión. Esta ENCUESTA se realiza UNICAMENTE para determinar cuántos miembros estarían de acuerdo con cambiar la antigüedad de horas trabajadas a fecha de contratación.
Si un número suficiente de miembros expresa interés en este cambio, el MOU se presentará posteriormente para votación en una próxima reunión del capítulo. Si no hay suficiente interés, se le notificará al Distrito que el capítulo nopresentará el MOU para votación de los miembros.
Este es un capítulo dirigido por sus miembros, y decisiones como esta son tomadas por ustedes, los miembros del capítulo. Les recomendamos encarecidamente que completen la encuesta y compartan su opinión.
Ofrecemos una disculpa por la demora en proporcionar esta actualización.
Su Equipo de Negociaciones se reunió con el Distrito y recibió una propuesta que incluye lo siguiente:
Un aumento salarial del 1.45% retroactivo al 1 de julio
No incluye cobertura de Seguro Médico
No incluye pago de doble tiempo por días festivos
En este momento, el Distrito no ha avanzado en estos temas. Nuestra próxima reunión de negociaciones está programada para el 4 de febrero.
Continuaremos manteniéndolos informados conforme avancen las discusiones. Gracias por su continuo apoyo y paciencia.fecha de la próxima reunión está por determinarse. 12 de diciembre.
december 12, 2025
CSEA Chapter #399 Negotiation Update
Today, your CSEA Negotiations Team met with the District. Unfortunately, the District is not offering any improvements to Health & Welfare Benefits.
Regarding salary, the District proposed:
A 0.5% ongoing salary schedule increase, retroactive to July 1, 2025
A 1.5% on-schedule salary increase, effective January 1, 2026
Your Negotiations Team did not accept this offer and will be returning to the bargaining table. A date for the next negotiations meeting is to be determined.
Hoy, su Equipo de Negociaciones de CSEA se reunió con el Distrito. Desafortunadamente, el Distrito no está ofreciendo ninguna mejora en los beneficios de Salud y Bienestar.
En cuanto al salario, el Distrito propuso:
Un aumento continuo del 0.5% en la escala salarial, retroactivo al 1 de julio de 2025
Un aumento del 1.5% en la escala salarial, efectivo el 1 de enero de 2026
Su Equipo de Negociaciones no aceptó esta propuesta y regresará a la mesa de negociaciones. La fecha de la próxima reunión está por determinarse. 12 de diciembre.
November 21, 2025
CSEA Chapter #399 Negotiation Update
Today, your CSEA Negotiations Team met with the District. Unfortunately, the District rejected our previous proposal, which included:
3% salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2025
An increase to the Health & Welfare CAPS
Double-time pay on holidays
Instead, the District countered with:
2% on-schedule salary increase effective January 1, 2026
No increase to Health & Welfare Benefits
Refused Double-time pay on holidays
Your Negotiation Team refused this offer and remain committed to advocating for 100% Health Benefit coverage and meaningful improvements to your compensation. Thank you for your continued support as we work toward an agreement that reflects the value of our classified employees.
Our next negotiation meeting with the District is scheduled for December 12th.
Hoy, su Equipo de Negociaciones de CSEA se reunió con el Distrito. Desafortunadamente, el Distrito rechazó nuestra propuesta anterior, la cual incluía:
• Un aumento salarial del 3% retroactivo al 1 de julio de 2025 • Un aumento a los CAPS de Salud y Bienestar • Pago doble en días festivos
En su lugar, el Distrito ofreció: • Un aumento salarial del 2% en el salario base, efectivo el 1 de enero de 2026 • Ningún aumento a los Beneficios de Salud y Bienestar • Rechazaron el pago doble en días festivos
Su Equipo de Negociaciones rechazo su propuesta. Seguimos comprometidos a abogar por cobertura del 100% en los Beneficios de Salud y mejoras significativas en su compensación. Gracias por su continuo apoyo mientras trabajamos hacia un acuerdo que refleje el valor de nuestros empleados clasificados.
Nuestra próxima reunión de negociación con el Distrito está programada para el 12 de diciembre.
August 27, 2025
CSEA Chapter #399 Negotiation Update
Your Negotiations Team met with the District to continue discussions on Your Negotiations Committee met with the District today. We are pleased to report that the District has agreed to increase 2-hour Food Services employees to 4 hours, which is a positive step forward.
We also held lengthy discussions regarding the Uniform Allowance and Bilingual Stipend. While progress was made, your Committee is not satisfied with the District’s current proposal on Salary and Health & Welfare Benefits. These remain our top priorities, and we will continue to fight to ensure fair and meaningful improvements for all members.
Our next Negotiations Meeting with the District is scheduled for September 3rd. We will keep you updated on the progress. Thank you for your continued support and solidarity. Together, we will remain strong as we work toward securing the contract you deserve.
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Estimados Miembros del Capítulo,
Hoy su Comité de Negociaciones se reunió con el Distrito. Nos complace informar que el Distrito ha aceptado aumentar de 2 a 4 horas a los empleados de Servicios de Alimentos que actualmente trabajan 2 horas, lo cual es un paso positivo hacia adelante.
También sostuvimos largas discusiones sobre el presupuesto paraUniformes y el Incentivo Bilingue. Aunque se lograron algunos avances, su Comité no está satisfecho con la propuesta actual del Distrito en cuanto a Salarioy Aseguranza. Estos siguen siendo nuestras prioridades principales, y continuaremos luchando para lograr mejoras justas y significativas para todos los miembros.
Nuestra próxima reunión de negociaciones con el Distrito está programada para el 3 de septiembre. Les mantendremos informados sobre los avances. Gracias por su continuo apoyo y solidaridad. Juntos, seguiremos firmes mientras trabajamos para asegurar el contrato que ustedes merecen.
August 08, 2025
CSEA Chapter #399 Negotiation Update
Your Negotiations Team met with the District to continue discussions on improving member benefits and working conditions. Our team submitted a counterproposal that included, but was not limited to:
Call-back time compensation
Additional hours assignment
Health and welfare benefits
Salary increases over the next 3 years
Uniform allowance increase
Bilingual stipend increase
Our next meeting will be on August 15th. We will keep you informed as negotiations progress and continue advocating for the best possible agreement for all members.
July 01, 2025
CSEA Chapter #399 Negotiation Update
Your Negotiations Team met with the District today, July 1, 2025. The District presented proposed changes to Articles X and XV. No decisions were reached at this time, as our Team will be conducting further research before moving forward.
We are pleased to share that both parties agreed on a language update to Article VII that will benefit our members.
Additionally, the District has committed to focusing on Health & Welfare Benefits during our next negotiations meeting, scheduled for August 4, 2025.
May 27, 2025
CSEA Chapter #399 Negotiation Update
Your CSEA negotiations team met with the District on May 27, 2025. The District proposed reviewing all contract language, article by article. We spent the day clarifying language and discussing definitions across several sections. No decisions were made during this session, and the District did not present any formal proposals.
One of the discussions that the District proposed was limiting rest breaks to 10 minutes to align with the Ed Code. In response, we proposed maintaining all rest breaks at 15 minutes, highlighting the importance of sufficient break time—especially for members working in high-demand roles. We are currently awaiting their response.
The District also shared that they are not ready to discuss salary and fringe benefits at this time and plan to address those topics at a later date.
Our next negotiation session is scheduled for June 12, 2025. We’ll continue to keep you informed as we move forward.
CSEA Chapter #399 Initial Proposal to Calexico Unified School District
Pursuant to the Educational Employment Relations Act (EERA) requirements, the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Calexico Chapter 399 submits the following initial proposal for a successor contract with the Calexico Unified School District. This proposal will address the following Articles.