How have salaries and benefits increased compared to cost-of-living adjustments?
A. Between 1992-93 and 2007-2008, the cumulative salaries for employee groups significantly exceeded cost-of-living adjustments from the state. Cumulative salary increases for the vast majority of district employees (FA, SEIU and CSEA) over those 15 years exceeded the state COLAs the district received by 11 percent to 12 percent. Health benefit costs (medical, dental and vision) for active and retired employees have increased by 77 percent between 2001-02 and 2008-09, from $16.7 million to $29.5 million. The district estimates that the cost of health benefits for 2008-09 and 2009-10, combined, will increase by at least $6 million, with no state COLAs to offset that. By all indications, this trend of cost increases will continue into 2010-11.
