Strengthening Schools: Our Local and Statewide Work to Win the Schools Our Students Deserve

During the past school year, SDEA members engaged in a historic contract campaign, aiming to secure competitive compensation, robust student support, and address broader community needs. Thousands of SDEA members and parents held meetings, rallied, and even participated in a massive school board action. Consequently, we successfully negotiated a transformative contract that will significantly bolster our school’s ability to attract top educators while ensuring essential support for students with diverse needs. Additionally, after-school programs will be tailored to meet the specific needs of our community, rather than being imposed from above. This achievement was bolstered by an impressive turnout, with over 84% of eligible voters participating, and an overwhelming 98% approval rate for the contract.

In the coming months, expect to hear concerns from district finance administrators about sustaining these gains. It’s important to note, especially for newcomers to the district, that our district’s financial outlook tends to err on the side of caution. Despite this, California’s schools have witnessed historic increases in funding in recent years, with our recent contract extension being part of this trend. However, as student enrollment continues to decline, it is crucial for the district to effectively manage attrition to align staff numbers with student demographics. While the contract is sustainable, it will require diligent stewardship from the district in the years ahead. Nonetheless, California still lags behind in student funding, ranking in the lowest quartile among states.

In the 2019-20 academic year, California allocated $13,686 per student in state and local funding, ranking 33rd among states. This fell $1,760 below the national average of $15,446 and only amounted to half of New York’s per-student funding, which stood at $26,605. This according to a recent study from the Education Law Center. These figures are based on a recent study by the Education Law Center using the latest available school funding data. These figures are based on a recent study by the Education Law Center using the latest available school funding data. Rallying at the SDUSD headquarters, as supportive as it may be, will not alter this challenging reality. To secure increased school funding and safeguard our current gains, we must unite with educators across the state.

Over the next two years, SDEA members will collaborate with educators from California’s largest school districts to advocate for improved school funding. This year, we will return to the bargaining table for expedited negotiations regarding potential wage increases for the 2023-2024 school year, known as reopener bargaining. However, next year, we will engage in negotiations for the next three-year contract. In this fight, teachers from Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and numerous other chapters of our statewide union will join forces to protect and expand our achievements. We share a common deadline for contract expiration, and this time, our battle will extend to the decision-makers in Sacramento.