GoFundMe Campaign Raises Money For Cotati, Rohnert Park Teachers

ROHNERT PARK, COTATI, CA — A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to collect donations for teachers in the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District.

More than 90 percent of the members of the teachers' union, the Rohnert Park Cotati Educators Association, voted in support of the strike that began Thursday.

The strike follows an impasse between the district and the teachers union over a wage increase.

As of Tuesday evening, $21,605 in donations were collected through the "Support Rohnert Park Cotati Teachers" GoFundMe campaign.

Nancy Ellis organized the fundraising campaign. Here is what she had to say:

"Our community is facing a crisis in our schools due to unacceptable wages that prevent CRPUSD from recruiting and retaining the best educators for our students. CRPUSD’s teacher salaries are 20% below the state average. Sadly, after months of futile negotiations, we are at the end of the legal mediation process.

"Rohnert Park Cotati Educators Association (RPCEA) authorized a work stoppage beginning March 10, 2022. The strike will continue until we are able to negotiate a fair contract that pays our members a living wage. Teachers are not paid when they are on strike. Many of our members depend on their full income to make ends meet. All funds raised will go to providing for any loss of wages due to striking. We thank you for your continued support!"

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Sonoma Co. Teachers Stage Walkout
• Cotati-Rohnert Park USD Teachers Strike For 3rd Day