School Board Meeting Tonight Takes Up Proposed Salary Increase for Administrators, Recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month

Thursday’s Pasadena Unified School Board meeting will highlight discussions of the acceptance of resolutions and grants — including two looking to increase the salaries of unionized employees and administrators.

The first grant proposal is from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission which would give $17,000 for in-school artist residencies at eight schools in the district. A second grant, which has already been approved along with two other grants, sets aside funds for the Los Angeles County Office of Education to provide mandated American Sign Language services to students.

District employees who are members of the Teamsters Local 911 are the subject of a third grant. The grant will add a salary step to the pay schedule of unionized workers. The fourth grant aims to give the Association of Pasadena School Administrators (APSA) a 3 percent salary increase effective July 1.

The APSA, which has 180 members employed as principals, assistant principals, secretaries, office managers, administrators and clinical social workers, first struck the the deal with Pasadena Unified in March. However, the salary increase will not apply to the district’s Executive Leadership Team, according to an earlier Pasadena Now report.

Among the resolutions coming before the board, one declaring September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. The declaration recognises the 61 percent of Pasadena Unified’s total population and 54 percent of students statewide who are of Hispanic.

Another recognizing October 3-7 as “Nutrition, Health and Walk to School Week,” looks to encourage parents to spend more time with their children and show kids the benefits walking has toward the environment versus using a car.

And setting October 17-21 as “Lights On Afterschool Week” is part of a nationwide effort for schools to recognise and honor the people who participate in quality afterschool programs. Now in its 16th year, “Lights on Afterschool Week” celebraties afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities.

A final resolution names October 10-14 be “Week of the School Administrator.” Honoring school administrators, such as principals, superintendents and their assistants, for their contributions to making students successful.

The meeting will take place in the Elbie J. Hickambottom Board Room located at 351 South Hudson Avenue from 4 to 7 p.m. and is open to the public.