“Invest in your community, not outside contractors.”

That was the message from SEIU Local 1021 members on Thursday, October 9, as Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) classified professionals rallied to demand a fair contract and real investment in the school community.

These essential workers, including instructional aides, office staff, custodians, and nutrition service workers, have been at the bargaining table with SCUSD since April. Despite their efforts, the district has continued to reject reasonable proposals that would improve student outcomes and ensure long-term stability in Sacramento schools.

One of the core issues is the district’s plan to spend over $40 million this year on outside contractors to fill vital roles like instructional aides. These are jobs that should be permanent union positions held by qualified community members who are familiar with students and schools. SEIU 1021 has proposed a commonsense alternative: offer fair, livable wages to classified staff. That proposal would cost the district half as much as the current outsourcing plan, while building a more stable, experienced, and committed workforce.

“Our offer on the table would be a huge cost savings to the district, and we would be able to recruit and retain permanent staff to provide ongoing steady contact with our students. They would know who their aides are and get the care and support they need from trained people who know them. The students are the ones who suffer in the long run from contracting out,” said SCUSD Chapter President Karla Faucett. 

Instructional aides and similar roles are essential to student success, especially for those who need extra support like students with disabilities and English language learners. Short-term contractors lack the familiarity, relationships, and long-term commitment that permanent staff bring to their schools. Offering livable wages to permanent staff is the key to ensuring students are supported by qualified professionals who stay and grow within our school community.

“I’m out here today because I need more of me. I need more people in the classroom who care about the children and want to be there. But they also need to get paid enough to support their own children at home,“ said Hiram Johnson teacher associate Melanie Knight.

SEIU 1021 members are also fighting for broader changes that affect the entire Sacramento community. Their proposals have included action on climate resilience in schools, access to affordable housing for school employees, and protecting free speech rights for educators and students. Despite the importance of these issues, the district has refused to engage with the union on any of them.

This is about doing what’s right for students, workers, and the future of our public schools. Members will continue to rally and speak up at board meetings until they are heard.

Please call the SCUSD Board of Trustees at (916) 643-9314 and express your support for our students and a fair contract for classified professionals.