San Lorenzo Teachers Reach Tentative Settlement with School District

The San Lorenzo Unified School District has reached a tentative contract settlement with its teachers and has avoided a strike, the San Lorenzo Education Association announced Friday. The settlement was reached with the 580-member education association just before midnight Wednesday after a marathon negotiating session, according to the SLEA. Under the agreement, the school district agreed to provide raises of 7 percent over two years if the members vote to ratify it.

Additionally, two and a half days dedicated to professional development were added to next school year’s calendar, as a way to help recruit and retain the district’s teachers. Teachers in San Lorenzo are among the lowest paid in Alameda County and many teachers in the past have left for better paying districts in the East Bay, according to SLEA officials.

“Through the power of strength and organizing, parent support and our unity, SLEA reached a tentative agreement with the district that will benefit our students by helping to halt teacher turnover,” SLEA President Donna Pinkney said in a statement. “The settlement is a good step in the right direction toward investing in educators and the future of our community.”

The two parties reached an agreement during a fact-finding process before a state appointee, according to the SLEA. The agreement represents the culmination of months of negotiations, which involved rallies and informational picketing held before and after classes. In December, over 1,000 parents signed a petition and presented it to the school board, backing raises for educators, SLEA officials said.

By Bay City News

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