After months of negotiations, the Mariposa County Unified School District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA) have come to an agreement.
“On behalf of the classified employees association, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the district for its time, collaboration and commitment throughout the negotiations process,” said Stormi Smith, CSEA President of Mariposa 609 Chapter during the scheduled school board meeting on June 18.
“Working together we were able to develop a more fair, equitable and non-punitive contract that reflects the value and contributions of classified employees across the district.”
Classified staff are school district employees in positions that do not typically require a teaching credential or state certification, providing essential support to students, teachers and school functionality.
These positions include roles such as paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, bus drivers and food service workers among others.
MCUSD classified staff and advocates have been showing up in numbers over the past several months during school board meetings to share their stories and concerns about not receiving a fair pay increase that balances with their workload as well as the increase in cost of living and healthcare.
In May, a rally took place on Highway 140 where the classified staff of MCUSD and community members gathered with signs and chanted phrases involving equal and fair pay sentiments before marching toward the district administration building where the monthly school board meeting was to take place.
Before the meeting between the school district and CSEA which took place during the first week of June, the district was offering a 2.5 increase in pay.
CSEA and MCUSD were able to get on the same page during that meeting.
The agreement presented at the school board meeting on June 18 showed, if approved, the district will be providing a prorated, one-time payment of $1,500 for full-time, contracted employees and a proration for less than full-time hours.
The agreement also stated effective July 1, the salary schedule shall be adjusted by adding a Step 7 and a 5 percent increase to the salary schedule as well as a longevity increase of 3 percent will be given following the completion of nine, 14, 19, 24 and 29 years in the district.
The total cost would be $283,942 for 2025-2026, $634,527 for 2026-2027 (district) and $176,850 2026-2027 (Mariposa County Office of Education).
MCUSD will pay $15,000 toward the annual cost of premiums for health, dental and vision benefits for all benefit eligible employees and dependents. This is an increase from the previous year, which was $14,000.
Changes to the district’s contribution will be effective one month after board ratification which is dated June 18.
The CSEA agreement was unanimously approved by the board.
“The ratification reflects the confidence that our members have and the collaborative efforts between the association and the district in their belief that this agreement represents meaningful progress for classified staff,” Smith said.
“We also had an excellent turnout at our most recent chapter meeting. Members expressed optimism about their future with MCUSD and the appreciation for the positive direction of labor management relations.”
The participation and engagement by both the district and staff demonstrates employees are invested in the success of Mariposa County schools.
“Staff are encouraged by the district’s willingness to listen and work together to address employee concerns,” continued Smith.
“Thank you again for your collaboration and commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment for all classified employees.”
The CSEA agreement discussed during the June 18 school board meeting can be viewed online in its entirety at mcusd-org.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=356
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