After extensive negotiation between the Sequoia District Teachers Association and the District, the bargaining team has reached a tentative agreement of a 5.5% increase for all salary schedules and stipends for the 2024-25 school year.
370 members of the SDTA voted for the ratification of the proposal, with 41% of members not voting at all.
The initial proposal was amended to include additional athletic and elective stipends for teachers who serve in advisor or coach roles. The contract’s expiration date was also extended to July 1, 2024, instead of 2023, which was the previous deadline.
One of the revisions is a healthcare pension for District retirees, which allows those who qualify for district-paid benefits to buy health insurance at the same rate as active employees until they start receiving retirement benefits. Additionally, the parties have agreed upon continuing the Joint Counseling Committee for this school year, which focuses on improving school and counseling practices and professional development with help from outside facilitators.
“SDTA is very pleased to have reached a settlement with the District for a 5.5% salary increase for this year, along with important adjustments to our athletic coaching and activities supervision stipends. Our membership has ratified the agreement with a nearly unanimous vote and we look forward to the Board’s approval at their meeting this week,” SDTA President Edith Salvatore wrote in a statement.
