EGUSD Candidate Kirk Thomson Accuses Trustees Michael Vargas, Delia Baulwin of Political Motives in PLA Push

A frequent critic of the Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Trustees accused two trustees of advancing a proposed project labor agreement for political gain during public comment at Tuesday night's board meeting.

Kirk Thomson, who has declared his candidacy for the Area 2 trustee seat currently held by incumbent Michael Vargas, criticized both Vargas and Delia Baulwin over their support and demands for expediency on approving a project labor agreement, commonly known as a PLA.

PLAs are pre-hire collective bargaining agreements that establish terms and conditions for construction projects. Supporters say such agreements can provide labor stability and workforce standards, while opponents often argue they can increase costs or limit competition.

Thomson's comments followed a May 5 presentation to the board regarding whether the district should pursue a PLA. While he said he initially entered the discussion skeptical of the proposal, he said the presentation had altered his views.

"I came in to the meeting highly skeptical of PLAs because it seemed like a solution in search of a problem and by the end of the presentation I was actually open to every idea that was presented," Thomson told trustees.

But Thomson said two board members appeared intent on moving quickly.

"However, two board members made it very clear that they wanted the PLA and they wanted it right now," he said.

Thomson specifically accused Vargas and Baulwin of pressuring district staff and Superintendent Christopher Reilly and suggested their support was politically motivated.

"I would suggest the reason you're so eager to have a PLA rushed through as quickly as possible is because you're both up for election this year," Thomson said. "Being very ambitious people, forcing a PLA onto this district before election day would help you get that sweet, sweet campaign cash flowing."

He also alleged the trustees improperly pressured district leadership.

"What I was upset about when I left the meeting was the pressure put on Superintendent Reilly," Thomson said, later adding that discussion surrounding construction contractors should not come ahead of student needs.

"If you truly believe that building contractors are a higher priority to this district than special needs students, you should not be in any position of power and authority — especially on a board of education," he said.

Thomson concluded by saying that any discussion of a PLA should proceed deliberately and be supported by additional analysis.

"The idea of a project labor agreement is an interesting one," he said, adding that it should be considered with "an open mind and lots of data."

Vargas is seeking reelection to a second term in November. Baulwin, who was appointed to fill a board vacancy, is running for election for the first time.

Thomson, who has frequently criticized the district and Vargas during public meetings, has already announced his candidacy against Vargas in the Area 2 race.

Neither Vargas nor Baulwin responded during the meeting to Thomson's accusations regarding election-year motivations or claims they had pressured Superintendent Reilly.