Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1500904
BURBANK: Class-size improvements, stipends Burbank Teachers Association ended long and challenging contract nego- tiations with a win for Burbank students. Educators organized and won improvements in class sizes with stipends for overages, a 7% on-schedule pay increase and 1% off-schedule bonus retroactive to July 2022, and an increase to their healthcare. These gains will help Burbank attract and retain quality educators. The contract also provides school nurses with a $10,000 retention bonus, improves contract language in a number of areas, and includes an agreement from the district to analyze the feasibility of an early retirement program. BERRYESSA: Negotiations continue to drag California Teachers Association of Berryessa (CTAB) members and community rallied in May, calling on Berryessa Union School District man- agement to stop dragging their feet and settle ongoing contract negotiations. Outstanding issues at the table include class size, compensation and work year. CTAB has been organizing and working to settle a contract that provides the best for Berryessa students, including attracting and retaining the best-qualified educators, ensuring the best learning environments to help students thrive and providing the best support for student success. Currently, Berryessa ranks 24 out of 34 in salary when compared to other districts in Santa Clara County with 10 years of experience and 60 post-bachelor credits. "CTAB's priority is what is best for Berryessa students," said CTAB President Joe Hermann. "Our students deserve the best educators, learning environment and support." SAN RAFAEL: Impasse mediation leads to agreement After lengthy and difficult negotiations that went past fact-finding and almost reached a strike, San Rafael Teach- ers Association (SRTA) members won a new contract in May that will help attract and retain quality educators for San Rafael students. Educators won a 15% salary increase over two years, in addition to 50 minutes of prep time for all TK-5 educators, an increase in health benefits and a return to providing con- ferences for all students in the fall and spring. Additionally, SRTA won increased stipends for bilingual educators and for positions that have been difficult to fill. Per the agreement, SRTA and the district will also create a working group next school year to develop a seven-period day schedule at Davidson Middle School. The San Rafael Teachers Association Bargaining Team had nothing but love for their fellow members at fact-finding this spring. Continued on Page 37 35 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 3