BREAKING: San Rafael City Schools has just finalized a crucial contract with its high school teachers union after a lengthy 16-month negotiation. The San Rafael Board of Education voted unanimously on Tuesday, sealing a deal that addresses compensation issues for the 2025-26 school year and ending a previous three-year contract.
This agreement is vital for the district’s educators and has immediate implications for the 147 teachers, counselors, and certificated staff represented by the San Rafael Federation of Teachers (SRFT). Superintendent Carmen Diaz Ghysels confirmed that union members ratified the agreement before the board meeting, emphasizing that the deal is both fair and fiscally responsible.
The contract includes a 0.7% salary increase retroactive to July 1 and a one-time bonus of 0.95%, a result of the “fair share agreement” based on district revenue. Union President Morgan Agnew stated, “These amounts were determined by the fair share formula that we have been using for the past five years.” The formula was a significant sticking point in negotiations, reflecting the financial strain the district faces due to declining enrollment and rising costs.
The urgency of this contract comes as the district grapples with a projected $5.5 million budget cut over the next three years to maintain solvency in its $68 million elementary budget and $42 million high school budget. Union negotiator Lee Chretien expressed relief that both sides reached an agreement amidst challenging budget conditions, stating, “We look forward to continuing this collaborative approach when we begin negotiating again in February.”
Trustee Jason Lau commended the negotiating teams for their perseverance through what he called “very long and difficult” discussions, highlighting the importance of stability for educators and students.
Looking ahead, the two bargaining teams are set to reconvene on February 11, 2024, to discuss a new three-year contract. The outcome of these negotiations will be critical as both the district and teachers seek to navigate ongoing financial challenges while ensuring quality education for students.
This development is a significant step forward for the San Rafael community, impacting teachers’ livelihoods and the educational landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as negotiations progress and details emerge from the upcoming meetings.
