Over the course of negotiations, the District has increased its salary proposals, expanded health benefit contributions beyond what was initially offered, and ultimately adopted the full recommendations of the independent fact-finding panel.

 

We understand that our teachers feel strongly about compensation and benefits, and we respect their right to advocate for what they believe is fair.

 

After the District presented its fact-finding–based proposal, the union chose to begin a strike. Despite the strike, the District kept negotiations open and invited the union to return to the bargaining table.

 

The parties met again last week, and some progress was made on contract language. However, negotiations broke down again when the District asked whether 100% employer-paid health benefits for all health plans — permanently written into the contract — was a non-negotiable demand. The union confirmed that it was.

 

At that point, the negotiation session ended, and multiple compromise options related to health benefits were rejected.

 

We continue to hope the union will also be willing to move toward compromise so an agreement can be reached.