This Semester Proved Why Strong Contracts — and Strong Unions — Still Matter

As this semester comes to an end, it’s worth reflecting on a reality many in our community never see: the continual, often quiet battles required to defend the basic workplace rights of the people who keep our schools functioning every day.
Across the Mat-Su Borough School District, classified employees—special education staff, secretaries, custodians, IT technicians, specialists, interventionists, and dozens more—make up nearly half the workforce. They open the buildings, run the systems, support our most vulnerable students, and serve on the front lines of student and staff safety.
And this semester, they found themselves in conflict not because they were seeking more, but because they were defending what was already negotiated.
When Rules Aren’t Followed, People Get Hurt
Throughout the fall, CEA had to step in repeatedly when district directives clashed with the contract that governs classified employees’ work.
When custodial responsibilities were shifted without negotiation—creating workload, safety, and liability concerns—CEA filed a grievance to ensure that job duties follow the contract, not convenience.
And when inconsistent camera access and unclear monitoring practices raised concerns about privacy, FERPA compliance, and employee dignity, CEA submitted a proposed agreement to bring structure where none exists. Transparency and accountability are not optional when surveillance is involved.
Neither of these issues are abstract disputes. They directly affected people’s safety, pay, or privacy. And they highlight a pattern: policy improvisation creates real consequences for real employees.
The Public Often Sees the Headlines, Not the Harm
Most families never hear about these battles. They shouldn’t have to; they trust the district to manage fairly. But when a system relies too heavily on informal decisions, last-minute directives, or “this is how we’re doing it now,” the people paying the price are the employees trusted to carry out those decisions.
The classified workforce isn’t asking for special treatment. We’re asking for the district to follow the language everyone agreed to. If a change is needed, there is a legal process to make it.
That process was ignored too many times this semester.
Negotiations Are Coming — But Not on Social Media
In the spring, CEA and the district will begin negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. Some will be tempted to speculate; others will try to guess at our priorities. Here is what I can say responsibly:

• The negotiations will be disciplined and professional.
• CEA will not negotiate in public.
• And the issues we've had to confront this semester have made it abundantly clear where stability and clarity are lacking.

The past few months have shown that the contract isn’t just paperwork—it’s the guardrail that prevents confusion, inconsistency, and arbitrary decision-making. When the contract is ignored, the guardrail disappears.
The Community Deserves a Stable, Supported Workforce
Every parent in Mat-Su wants their child greeted by a consistent, well-trained workforce. That only happens when the district respects the agreements that govern those workers’ daily lives—and when employees feel safe, valued, and protected.
A stable classified workforce is not a luxury. It’s the backbone of operational safety, student supports, and school climate. Constant turnover is far more expensive than maintaining fair, predictable working conditions.
The Work Ahead
Our members are ready for thoughtful, responsible negotiations. We have no intention of inflaming tensions or posturing. But we will continue to do what we did all semester:

Stand up when the rules are ignored.

Speak up when employees are put in impossible positions.

And ensure the voices of classified staff are heard in decisions that affect them.
This semester made one truth clear: strong contracts aren’t obstacles — they’re safeguards. And honoring them is not optional.

As we head into the next phase of bargaining, my promise is simple:
CEA will continue to defend the people who keep our schools running, and we will continue doing so with respect, professionalism, and an unwavering focus on what works for Mat-Su’s students and staff.

​Written by Rick Morgan, President MatSu Classified Employees' Association