Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1543424
Bargaining Roundup Compiled by Julian Peeples DUARTE: Educators Authorize Strike and Win Contract After 15 months of organizing and building power that led to a near-unanimous strike authorization vote, Duarte Unified Edu- cation Association (DUEA) won an agreement in January that will improve teaching and learning conditions and help recruit and retain educators in Duarte. DUEA members won a 2% salary increase for the 2024-25 school year and 2% for the 25-26 school year, as well as an increase the district's health benefit contributions, expanded prep time for elementary teachers, class-size reductions, the placement of Career Technical Education teachers on the certificated salary schedule and other contract improvements that support teaching and learning. "After tough but respectful negotiations, we were able to reach a tentative agreement thanks to our members' unwav- ering support. This agreement represents real progress and a positive outcome for our educators, students and com- munity," said DUEA President Heather Messner. Eliminating three-year budgeting California is one of only five states requiring school districts to project budgets three years ahead, a speculative process that often leads to inaccuracies and undermines trust at bargaining tables. This outdated system allows districts to claim financial hardship, stockpile reserves, and avoid investing in students and educators. Reforming this process will help ensure that today 's education dollars are spent on today 's students. Teacher pipeline sustainability Amid a national teacher shortage, investing in the teacher pipeline is essential to sustaining a diverse, qualified workforce. Programs like teacher residencies and the Golden State Teacher Grant program play a critical role in preparing, recruiting and retaining educators in high-need fields. Fully funding schools is key to supporting these efforts, addressing staffing shortages, and ensuring every student has access to a quality education. For more about these issues, a primer on how CTA State Council of Education processes legisla- tion, and to track the progress of related bills, visit cta.org/our-advocacy/legislative-advocacy. 43 W I N T E R 2 0 26 A