Families protest ahead of Marysville School District’s budget meeting

The Marysville School Board is voting Monday night for the 2023 to 2024 school year and with a budget shortfall of at least $17 million, many who work for the district are worried about budget cuts.

Dozens of district employees rallied, before the meeting, hoping that board members would hear them out and come back to the bargaining table.

The president of SEIU 925 told us their contract expires August 31 but they have a good faith clause that is supposed to carry them through to the next contract.

However, she said the district told them they’d bargain September 13, nearly two weeks after that expiration date.

The district is facing a major budget shortfall and Monday night’s budget seeks to address that by entering a money agreement with the county and possibly borrowing from the district’s future revenues.

Those who rallied said they’re worried more cuts could be made.

“We want to bargain for things for our members and we really need our district to be willing to bargain with us and it’s not just about pay of course it’s stuff like how many adults are with kids at recess and things like that,” said Union President Christy Tautfest.

The initial round of budget reductions impacted teachers, paraprofessionals, and other employees.

The board is expected to vote on Monday night.