RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) — Negotiations resumed on Saturday between the West Contra Costa Unified School District and the teachers union, the second round of talks since the teachers went on strike on Thursday.
“District says cut back, we say fight back!” was one of the chants heard as teachers, parents and students rallied outside of where the talks were held in Richmond. As of Saturday night, there is still no deal.
Michelle Schultz, a second grade teacher, acknowledges it could be a long strike.
“We are not happy about that. But if that’s what it takes, we want our students to get what they deserve,” explains Schultz, who is also one of five zone captains for the district, which oversee schools.
As is often the case, one of the main issues is teacher salary. The union wants a 5% increase over the next two years. The district is only offering a one-time 3% raise.
“The district (offer) that we received, before the strike was called, said we will give you 3 (percent). Just 3 three,” says Schultz. “I mean, that is barely going to cover our cost of living.”
The district says its struggling financially. One reason is the loss of funding due to reduced enrollment.
A fact-finding report released last week, which was prepared by David Handsher, appointed as a neutral arbitrator by the California Public Employment Relations Board, shows the district experienced deficit spending during 2024-2025 school year – estimated at $17 million.
But in a response, the California Teachers Association issued a letter to Handsher, in which it identified several state and local revenue sources as ways to fund salary increases.
RELATED: 1,500 West Contra Costa teachers begin strike after years of staffing issues
In a strike that will impact around 25,000 students, teachers from the West Contra Costa Unified School District are walking off the job Thursday.
The union also argues that excessive and ill-advised use of contractors is another reason for deficit.
“It is all about priorities. They are putting too much money into consultants and people that don’t relate to the kids, day-by-day,” says Thomas Prather, who teaches fourth grade.
Another big issue is over health care. The teachers want 100% contribution to premiums, while the district is offering just a 5% increase to 85% starting in January.
Negotiations began in February. But the two-sides reached an impasse in August. Saturday’s talks went past 10 p.m. The teachers union says “real progress was made,” and hope an agreement can be reached by Sunday.
The West Contra Costa Unified School District is made up of 26,000 students in 56 schools in the cities of El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo. About 65 percent of the students are low income.
Along with demands for smaller class size, the union also wants more resources for special education.
“For preschool special education, there are only around 15 classrooms. And what we are asking in negotiations, is just one more aid for each of those 15 classrooms. And they haven’t even given a counter proposal,” says Lourdes Alatorre, a preschool special education teacher.
“Its tough but we are willing to do everything we to do things right for our kids and teachers,” says parent Jose Hernandez.
The West Contra Costa Unified School District did not return a request for comment.
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