Pleasanton Teachers Union Declares Impasse In Contract Negotiations

PLEASANTON, CA —The Association of Pleasanton Teachers declared an impasse Tuesday in negotiations with the Pleasanton Unified School District.

“Funding increased a record amount during the 2022-2023 school year and PUSD invested 3.5% of the over 13% funding they received in APT educators,” the APT said in a news release. “Management is refusing to agree to a meaningful cost-of-living increase for Pleasanton’s educators that will make them competitive with surrounding districts.”

The APT is advocating a 15-percent salary increase, as well as full coverage of medical insurance premium costs, reduced class sizes, and reduced caseloads for special education teachers.

PUSD is offering a 6.5 percent raise, and increased stipends for dual language immersion teachers and special education teachers. It is also offering to cover premiums for employees, but not dependents.

PUSD did not respond to Patch’s request for comment. Spokesperson Patrick Gannon told The Independent that the district projects a $560,000 shortfall for the upcoming year, and does not have the funds for a 15 percent salary increase.

The union and district have been in negotiations since August. The APT said that a supermajority of its members have been participating in pickets before and after school to urge the district to increase their salaries. An online petition started by a PUSD parent urges the Pleasanton School Board to “prioritize their budget to support students and educators.”

“Our dedicated teachers are leaving for neighboring districts due to inadequate benefits, low pay, and lack of support. Our children are losing their great teachers only to be replaced by an ever-changing roster of unqualified individuals or those not retained by other districts,” said the petition, which has garnered 2,219 signatures as of Thursday afternoon.