Resolution On Classified Hiring • December 2, 2024

WHEREAS, Faculty Senate has a role in Processes for Institutional Planning and Budget Development through its 10 +1 +1
WHEREAS, Faculty Senate is on record asking the Administration questions about institutional planning and budget development related to classified support in our departments and divisions
WHEREAS, Faculty Senate has no official record of our questions being answered by the Administration
WHEREAS, classified staff are essential to the operational and institutional success of the college, entrusting the seamless delivery of services that directly impact student success and faculty support
WHEREAS, prolonged vacancies and inadequate staffing contribute to burnout, diminished morale, and increased turnover among classified employees, further exacerbating staffing shortages.
WHEREAS, equitable treatment of classified staff, including fair workloads, opportunities for advancement, and competitive compensation, is fundamental to fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment
WHEREAS, vacant administrative vacancies are immediately filled while classified vacancies have been left unfilled for so long
WHEREAS, staffing shortages lead to the exploitation of short-term hourly workers
WHEREAS, staffing shortages inappropriately lead to increased workload for faculty
WHEREAS, staffing shortages lead to negative impacts in student learning environments
WHEREAS, Faculty Senate is sending this resolution to the Superintendent/President for review and response
BE IT RESOLVED, Faculty Senate requires answers to the following questions by its first regular meeting of the Spring 2025 semester:
If executive council determines which classified positions are “important and needed,” what is the mechanism for faculty and classified voice to be heard in those meetings?
2. What is the specific plan to hire classified support staff for recently new and upcoming administrative positions?
How much has the district already budgeted to fill vacant classified positions and upcoming, new, and needed classified positions?
Classified vacancies led to their associated budgets being “swept.” Over the past five years, where did those monies go and why?
Can classified positions be designated as “important and needed” before the vacancy occurs to allow for replacement of the position and training?
What specific retention strategies are being implemented to ensure the district retains skilled staff amid ongoing vacancies?
How is the district evaluating its current hiring and onboarding processes to identify and address bottlenecks or inefficiencies?
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Faculty Senate is committed to being a helpful and proactive partner in improving these areas of Institutional Planning and Budget Development and reminds its partners that ongoing dialogue is required of successful partnerships
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, we steadfastly support the notion that student, faculty, and district success hinge on a replete and respected classified staff workforce
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Faculty Senate calls for a joint task force with classified staff representatives to develop actionable solutions addressing shortages, workload equity, and fair compensation.