We won some big improvements:
After sixteen intense bargaining sessions and nearly a year of relentless organizing, our SDEA bargaining team recently reached agreement with the District:
✔ An agreement to settle the Special Education caseload overage ULP and call off our strike. If ratified, this finally breaks the cycle of years of grievances. Educators will automatically receive a monthly stipend when over contractual caseload limits – no more waiting months or years for relief. This compensates educators and financially incentivizes the District to fix chronic understaffing instead of saving money by leaving vacancies unfilled and educators overloaded. See more highlights of how this settlement addresses Special Education staffing.
✔A tentative agreement on our entire next contract… delivering improved staffing, pay, and stability for students, educators, and communities!
Click here to read our entire tentative agreement and click here to access resources to understand it!
Right now all this improved contract is tentative because to actually implement these changes, SDEA members need to VOTE! Voting will take place in person at a union meeting at your school or program, beginning Feb. 26.
Ratification timeline:
- Feb 12: Tentative agreement reached & strike called off
- Feb 26 – March 23: Site-based union meetings and in-person voting. Members on leave and Visiting Teachers can vote at the SDEA office (M-F, 8AM – 5PM)
- Mar 23: All ballots are due to the SDEA office on March 23 by 5PM
- Mar 24: SDEA Elections Committee counts ballots
Only members vote!
Our contract covers all certificated educators, but only SDEA members get to vote to ratify it. Not yet an SDEA member? Join now online!
Share
Blog
November 6, 2026
Joint Statement: Children belong with their families, not in federal custody
Our demands are clear. And they are not negotiable when it comes to the safety and humanity of children. As educators, we are horrified to…
November 5, 2026
Stand with workers – Boycott Starbucks!
At this week's Rep Council, SDEA member representatives from across our union heard from local union baristas about their fight and voted…
November 2, 2026
Protecting Shared Decision-Making in TK-12 Technology Use
SDEA supports purposeful, developmentally appropriate technology use that strengthens learning, relationships, and student wellness. But…
November 2, 2026
September 2026 SpEd Caseload Overage Payments (Appeal by Dec 14)
For caseload overages in September 2026, penalty payments should have been paid on the October payroll. September 2026 SpEd Stipend…
October 29, 2026
Nov 28 Book Swap
All educators, students, families, and comrades are invited! A free book swap and story time brought to you by The Black Panther Party San…
October 28, 2026
Honoring Dolores Huerta
Statement from SDEA President Monique Barrett Honoring Dolores Huerta As president of the San Diego Education Association, my heart is with…



