Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1512793
A sea of blue: More than 3,400 FTA members packed an amphitheater in the Fresno Fairgrounds in 90-degree heat for a rally opening their strike vote. W H E N B A R G A I N I N G S T A R T E D last year, 4,000 Fresno teachers committed to each other to do whatever it took for the schools #EveryFresnoStudent deserves. In October, their unbreakable unity powered a historic contract victory that averted a strike and sets the foundation for transforming Fresno public schools. On Halloween, it was all treats and no tricks for Fresno Teachers Association (FTA) with the announcement that a ten- tative agreement had been reached less than 24 hours before Fresno teachers were set to walk picket lines for the first time in 45 years. "At the core of this negotiation were four major priorities: reducing class sizes for students, reducing special educa- tion caseloads, keeping our teachers competitively paid, and ensuring continued and stable health coverage," FTA President Manuel Bonilla said at an Oct. 31 press conference at Fresno High School. "Today, we've reached a historic agreement that not only accomplishes those goals, it exceeds them." Among FTA's victories: a commitment that a portion of future bond money will go to increasing classroom space and elemen- tary music space, additional funding for student supports and a plan to have a school nurse at every school in three years. Fresno Teachers Win Historic Contract Inspiring unity and righteous confidence power victory By Julian Peeples 16 cta.org Feature