Negotiations Update

SBUSD and SBTA Exchange Counterproposals on Elementary Prep Time

SBUSD Offers Counterproposal on Hourly Rates, Health Benefits, Counselor Caseloads, & Secondary Class Size Flexibility

Introduction

This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) eighth Negotiations Update for 2025-2026 “reopener” contract negotiations between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA). “Reopener” negotiations are for the third year of a three-year contract. 

SBUSD and SBTA Reach Fifth Tentative Agreement on High School Librarians

• High School Librarians: Both parties agreed to add four days to the high school librarian work calendar.

SBUSD and SBTA Exchange Counterproposals on Elementary Prep Time

• Elementary Prep Time: SBTA passed a counter proposal for two 45-minute prep blocks per week for elementary teachers. SBUSD passed back a counter that accepted the new framework provided by SBTA, and proposed granting specials teachers the same allotment.

SBUSD Offers Counterproposal on Hourly Rates, Health Benefits, Counselor Caseloads, & Secondary Class Size Flexibility

• Hourly Rates: SBUSD accepted SBTA’s proposal to tie hourly rate to future increases to the salary schedule, and reinserted language to define the workday.
• Health Benefits: SBUSD passed back a status quo proposal on health benefits based on cost impacts of the article and improvements made to insurance benefits in the last round of negotiations.
• Counselor Caseloads: SBUSD returned a status quo proposal on counselors because current caseloads are among the lowest in the state, indicating that setting a cap in the contract is not necessary.
• Secondary Class Size Flexibility: SBUSD proposed new levels of compensation for secondary teachers whose class sizes exceed contract limits.

Next Steps: 

The next negotiation session is April 21, 2026. 

Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
ShaKenya Edison, Assistant Superintendent of Student & Family Services
Joanna Powell, General Counsel
Bill Woodard, Dos Pueblos Principal
Casie Killgore, Franklin Principal

Counters Exchanged By Both Sides on Class Size

SBUSD Makes Counterproposal on Elementary Prep Time & High School Librarians

SBTA Counters on Counselor Caseloads & Health Insurance Modifications

Introduction

This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) seventh Negotiations Update for 2025-2026 “reopener” contract negotiations between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract. 

SBUSD and SBTA Reach Fourth Tentative Agreement on Union Rights & Meetings

• Union Rights & Meetings: SBUSD and SBTA reached a Tentative Agreement that SBUSD will provide SBTA with space for union meetings during lunch or after SBUSD’s 3 professional development days, and will inform teachers when and where those union meetings will take place.

Counters Exchanged By Both Sides on Class Size

• Class Size: SBUSD and SBTA exchanged 3 counters on the per-student stipend amount for secondary educators whose classes exceed the current class-size contract language.

SBUSD Makes Counterproposal on Elementary Prep Time & High School Librarians

• Elementary Prep Time: The District returned a counter proposal around Elementary Prep time to maintain the current system of 2-3 PLCs per week, along with 300 minutes of prep time. The District prioritizes teacher collaboration around the specific needs of the students in their classrooms related to Math and ELA achievement. The District remains committed to the PLC framework, which is a designated investment in a culture focused on student learning, through data-driven, recurring cycles of collective inquiry around real-time student learning needs. 
• High School Librarians: SBUSD counter proposed a new schedule that would add two days to the high school librarian schedule.

SBTA Counters on Counselor Caseloads, Health Insurance Modifications, & Class Size

• Counselor Caseload: SBTA countered with a proposal to establish mandatory ratios for secondary counselors.
• Health Insurance Modifications: SBTA’s counterproposal requests that the District fully cover an employee's insurance if both spouses or domestic partners work for SB Unified.

Next Steps: 

The next negotiation session is March 17, 2026. 

Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
ShaKenya Edison, Assistant Superintendent of Student & Family Services
Joanna Powell, General Counsel
Bill Woodard, Dos Pueblos Principal

SBUSD & SBTA Reach Third Tentative Agreement on
Early Childhood Education Meetings

SBUSD Presents Budget Update to Start Meeting

SBUSD Makes Initial Proposal on Class Size; Counters on Several Articles

Introduction

This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) sixth Negotiations Update for 2025-2026 “reopener” contract negotiations between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract. 

SBUSD & SBTA Reach Third Tentative Agreement on Early Childhood Education (ECE) Meetings 

• SBUSD and SBTA reached a tentative agreement on ECE meetings to clarify the timing and manner of attendance and guarantee hourly compensation for meetings after the 8-hour workday.

SBUSD Presents Budget Context

• SBUSD started its counterproposals by reviewing the First Interim Budget Report from December. Highlights included:
  • Plan for $6 million in total reductions over the 2026-2027 and 2027-28 fiscal years to pay for the prior round of raises and maintain a reserve of at least 5%. Additional reductions beyond the $6 million would be needed to fund any new negotiated settlement costs.
  • Historical data for the last 6 years shows a 27% increase to compensation across all bargaining units at a total cost of $62,154,734. Increases in property tax revenues across the same 6 years totaled $51,190,388. 
  • We will evaluate and implement cost reduction strategies necessary to ensure fiscal sustainability and positive budget certifications going forward.

SBUSD Makes Initial Proposal on Class Size; Counters on Several Articles

• SBUSD proposed a per-student stipend for secondary educators whose classes exceed the current class-size contract language. This language provides the flexibility needed to allow for more efficient staffing.
• The District counterproposal adds a flat wage increase of $1,000 to all steps on the salary schedule.
• The District made a counterproposal to increase the hourly work rate by 10%.
• The District also counterproposed Librarians, Counselor Caseload, Stipends, and Insurance articles with a return to the original contract language. This decision was made due to the cost impacts of each article, and a prioritization of putting any budget increases to employee wages.
   

Next Steps: 

The next negotiation session is February 23, 2026. 

Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services

ShaKenya Edison, Assistant Superintendent of Student & Family Services

Joanna Powell, General Counsel

Casie Killgore, Franklin Principal

Bill Woodard, Dos Pueblos Principal
 

Santa Barbara Unified & Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA) Meet
For Fifth Labor Negotiation Bargaining Session

SB Unified Offers Counterproposal on Early Childhood Education (ECE) Meetings

SBTA Makes Initial Proposals on Wage Increase & Adding Course Takes

Introduction

This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) fifth Negotiations Update for 2025-2026 “reopener” contract negotiations between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract. 

SB Unified Offers Counterproposal on Early Childhood Education (ECE) Meetings

• SBUSD offered language about meeting structure for Early Childhood Education with a virtual option and compensation if the meeting day stretches past an eight-hour workday.

SBTA Makes Initial Proposals on Wage Increase & Adding Course Takes

• SBTA proposed increasing wages by $3,000 per unit member
• SBTA proposed that high school staffing levels will be calculated by student requests.

Next Steps: 

The next negotiation session is January 29, 2026. 

Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services

ShaKenya Edison, Assistant Superintendent of Student & Family Services

Joanna Powell, General Counsel

Casie Killgore, Franklin Principal

Bill Woodard, Dos Pueblos Principal

Gregory J. Dannis, Labor Negotiations Counsel

Santa Barbara Unified (SBUSD) & Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA)
Reach Second Tentative Agreement on Late Starts

SBUSD Counterproposes on Union Rights & Meetings

SBTA Offers Proposals on Elementary Librarians, Health Insurance Modifications, Elementary Specials

SBUSD Provides Cost of SBTA’s Initial Stipend Proposal

Introduction

This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) fourth Negotiations Update for 2025-2026 “reopener” contract negotiations between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract. 

The parties can negotiate over Wages, Health and Welfare Benefits, and three additional articles chosen by each party. The District will distribute the Negotiations Update after meetings with SBTA to inform our community on the progress of negotiations.

SBUSD & SBTA Reach Second Tentative Agreement on Late Starts

• SBUSD and SBTA reached a tentative agreement that clarifies the process if a school site desires to change from a Thursday late start day by requiring a 2/3 vote by unit members at the site.

SBUSD Counterproposes on Union Rights & Meetings

• The District’s counterproposal maintains the preservation of professional development time to improve teaching and learning. It also continues to provide SBTA opportunities to meet with members immediately after the end of District-scheduled programming on three designated Professional Development days. Therefore, the District did not agree to SBTA’s proposal to carve out a portion of paid, contractual professional development for union business.

SBTA Offers Proposals on Elementary Librarians, Health Insurance Modifications, Elementary Specials, & Additional Stipend Schedules

• Elementary Librarians: SBTA proposed adding two teacher librarians in the 26/27 school year and 3 additional teacher librarians in 27/28.
• Health Insurance Modifications: SBTA proposal included modifications to how insurance benefits are covered for couples who are married or domestic partners when both work for SB Unified.
• Elementary Specials: SBTA proposed new language that defines full-time status for elementary specials teachers and clarifies the expected duties for teachers with less than full-time teaching loads. 

SBUSD Provides Estimated Cost of SBTA’s Proposals to Date

SBUSD shared the estimated total costs of SBTA’s proposals to date, which is approximately $4.5 million. 

Next Steps: 

The next negotiation session is January 9, 2026. 

Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services

ShaKenya Edison, Assistant Superintendent of Student & Family Services

Joanna Powell, General Counsel

Casie Killgore, Franklin Principal

Bill Woodard, Dos Pueblos Principal

Gregory J. Dannis, Labor Negotiations Counsel

Santa Barbara Unified (SBUSD) & Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA)
Meet for Third Bargaining Session

SBUSD Makes Counter Proposal on Secondary Late Start/ Professional Learning Community Meetings

SBTA Offers Counter Proposal on Union Rights & Meetings; Early Childhood Education (ECE) Meetings; Stipend & Hourly Rate Structure

Introduction

This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) third Negotiations Update for 2025-2026 “reopener” contract negotiations between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract. 

The parties can negotiate over Wages, Health and Welfare Benefits, and three additional articles chosen by each party. The District will distribute the Negotiations Update after meetings with SBTA to inform our community on the progress of negotiations.

SBUSD and SBTA Exchange Counter Proposals on Secondary Late Start/Professional Learning Community Meetings
 

• SBUSD passed a second counterproposal, which clarified the process to initiate a change to the late start day and require a majority vote by unit members at the site. 
• SBTA countered with a proposal for a 2/3 supermajority vote rather than a simple majority.

SBTA Offers Counter Proposal on Union Rights & Meetings; Early Childhood Education (ECE) Meetings; Stipend & Hourly Rate Structure

• Union Rights & Meetings: SBTA brought a counterproposal to set aside time during Professional Development days for union business.
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) Meetings: The two teams continued negotiations around the monthly meeting structure for Early Childhood Education.
• Stipend & Hourly Rate Structure: SBTA passed two initial proposals, one that changes the hourly rate structure for teachers, and the other that creates a new methodology for cocurricular stipend calculations. The District informed SBTA that it will need to study the cost of these proposals along with all other previously proposed expenses before making a counter.

Next Steps: 

The next negotiation session is on December 15. The teams also agreed on additional meeting dates in January, February, and March.

Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services

Joanna Powell, General Counsel

Casie Killgore, Franklin Principal

Bill Woodard, Dos Pueblos Principal

Santa Barbara Unified (SBUSD) & Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA) Reach First Tentative Agreement

SBUSD Offers Counterproposals on
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Meetings; Union Rights & Meetings

SBTA Offers Proposals on Counselor Staffing Ratios and Jr. High 7 Period Day

SBTA and SBUSD Continued Discussion Around Stipend Structure 

Introduction

This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) second Negotiations Update for 2025-2026 “reopener” contract negotiations between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract. 

The parties can negotiate over Wages, Health and Welfare Benefits, and three additional articles chosen by each party. The District will distribute the Negotiations Update after meetings with SBTA to inform our community on the progress of negotiations.

Parties Reach First Tentative Agreement on Calendar
After exchanging proposals with each other, SBUSD and SBTA reached their first tentative agreement on the calendar. The parties agreed to establish a two-year calendar cycle beginning with calendar negotiations for the 26-27 school year.

SBUSD Counter Proposals

• Early Childhood Education (ECE) Meetings: The District’s counterproposal aims to clarify the current meeting structure for ECE teachers, which supports student-centered practices and enhances the quality and effectiveness of educator collaboration. The proposal provides flexibility to hold meetings in person or virtually. 
• Union Rights & Meetings: The District’s counterproposal preserves the use of professional development time to improve teaching and learning. It also provides SBTA opportunities to meet with members immediately after the end of District-scheduled programming on three designated Professional Development days. 

SBTA Counter Proposals

• Secondary Late Start: SBTA proposed a site-based voting process in order to modify the established Staff or PLC meeting day. 

SBTA Proposals

• Counselor Staffing Ratios: SBTA proposed the creation of a school counselor case ratio not to exceed 250 students to 1 counselor. In addition, they proposed that each high school with an enrollment of over 500 students shall be assigned an additional counselor.
• Jr. High 7 Period Day: SBTA proposed the adoption of a 7-period day at the junior high schools.

Continued Discussion Around Stipend Structure

The parties discussed modifying the stipend pay structure. 

During discussions on these topics, the District emphasized to SBTA that these proposals carry a cost that must be taken into account along with all other cost proposals.

Next Steps: 

The next negotiation session is on December 2.

Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
Joanna Powell, General Counsel
ShaKenya Edison, Assistant Superintendent of Student & Family Services
Casie Killgore, Franklin Principal
Bill Woodard, Dos Pueblos Principal
Gregory J. Dannis, Labor Negotiations Counsel

SBUSD AND SBTA HOLD FIRST NEGOTIATIONS SESSION 

FOR 2025-2026 CONTRACT

District Initial Proposals Cover Work Calendar Development Process and
Secondary Late Start/Professional Learning Community Meetings

SBTA Initial Proposals Cover Early Childhood Education Meetings, 
High School Librarian Work Year, Union Time During Professional Learning Days, and Elementary Teacher Preparation Time

Introduction

This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) first Negotiations Update for 2025-2026 “reopener” contract negotiations between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract. 

The parties can negotiate over Wages, Health and Welfare Benefits, and three additional articles chosen by each party. The District will distribute the Negotiations Update after meetings with SBTA to inform our community on the progress of negotiations.

Before providing proposals to SBTA, the District negotiations team presented the values that will serve as its criteria to analyze proposals and counterproposals from both parties during these negotiations:

SBUSD Values in Negotiations 

SBUSD will continue to:

• Improve student outcomes and be student-centered 
• Focus on results
• Support quality educators to promote success for all students through targeted, evidence-based professional development.
• Explore and be open to innovation. 
• Remain transparent and fiscally solvent in both the short and long term.

SBUSD and SBTA also agreed to “Bargaining Norms” for this year's negotiation process.

District Initial Proposals Cover Work Calendar Development Process and Secondary Late Start/Professional Learning Community Meetings

• Calendar Development Process: SBUSD proposed simplifying the process for negotiating the annual calendar.
• Secondary Late Start and Professional Learning Community (PLC) Meetings: SBUSD proposed clarifying junior and high school teacher PLC and staff meeting schedules to allow for schedule variations under unique circumstances.

SBTA Initial Proposals Cover Early Childhood Education Meetings, High School Librarian Work Year, Union Time During Professional Learning Days, and Elementary Teacher Preparation Time

• Early Childhood Education (ECE) Meetings: SBTA proposed updating the ECE PLC requirements, allowing virtual and in-person collaboration meetings, and compensation for meetings extending past 4 p.m.
• High School Librarian Work Year: SBTA proposed extending the high school librarian work year from 190 to 194 days.  
• Union Time During Professional Learning Days: Proposes reserving 60 minutes on three districtwide PD days for SBTA to communicate with members regarding association business.
• Elementary Prep Time: SBTA proposed increasing elementary teacher prep time by substituting prep time for some existing PLC meetings. 

The District looks forward to continued collaborative negotiations with SBTA.

Next Steps: 

The next negotiation session is on November 14.

Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
Joanna Powell, General Counsel
ShaKenya Edison, Assistant Superintendent of Student & Family Services
Casie Killgore, Franklin Principal
Bill Woodard, Dos Pueblos Principal
Gregory J. Dannis, Labor Negotiations Counsel

A tentative agreement between SB Unified and Santa Barbara Teachers Association was reached early Thursday morning after negotiating for over 18 hours during the Fact Finding session. Once ratified, the 3 year contract, which includes two years of salaries settled, will become effective July 1, 2024, and end on June 30, 2027.  

This new contract reflects our values to provide competitive wages for our hardworking teachers and keeping our budget fiscally sound while improving student achievement.

Agreements reached were as follows: 

In 2024-2025 an ongoing salary increase for all educators of 10%.
There will be increases to the incoming teacher salary with 13 years of service. 
The addition of a new step 23 with an increase of 4%. 

In 2025-2026 a 3% salary increase in July and 2% in January.
An increase to provide 14 years of incoming service credit for a maximum step 15. 
A contingency clause was included for an additional salary increase in case property taxes come in above 5% in 2024-2025.

Previously agreed to tentative agreements for health and welfare and class size reductions will also go into effect. 

Additional changes to hours and conditions include: 

An increase of 2 days to Early Education teachers, 
A change of calendar to 195 days for school psychologists and speech and language teachers while keeping the same salary, 
An additional 2 days to Special Education teachers.  

We are pleased with the work of the Fact-Finding Panel, SBTA leadership, and the District’s negotiations team. 

Our new agreements will allow both parties to move forward and collaborate to realize our motto- Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day. 

The tentative agreement must now be ratified by a vote of the bargaining members and approved by the Board. 

Dear Staff and Families,

The purpose of this communication is to address the recent inquiries we have received  about current negotiations and possible teacher’s strike. Santa Barbara Unified School District is committed to working with our union leaders and members to reach an agreement. We recognize and value the teachers union’s right to use all avenues provided during labor negotiations to ensure they are compensated at the highest possible salary.  

We have seen and heard our teachers come to our District’s board meetings expressing concerns over the recent impact of inflation, increased housing costs, and general cost of living in Santa Barbara as having a profound impact on their daily lives. This is true not just here in our community but nationwide. 

On June 12th there will be a fact finding hearing in which a neutral party reviews the district budget. The process is to ensure both parties are provided with an objective view of what is fiscally sustainable and affordable. If the District and the teacher’s union cannot reach an agreement after fact finding, the union can call a strike. 

We are firm in our commitment to reach an agreement, keep schools open, and let the fiscal facts lead our negotiations. 

SB Unified Proposal is worth $22.7 million dollars, one of the largest in the last 20 years.

FACT: For almost 20 years, the District only offered to pay 40% of health care costs. At the beginning of negotiations the District offered to pay 75% of health care costs. This was agreed on early in our negotiations by both parties.

•Increasing employer contribution to health premiums to 75% cost of $3.5 million

FACT: For the last three years the District has used one-time funds and LCAP funds to keep our class sizes low. The District and SBTA signed a tentative agreement for the 24-25 school year.

 ​•This increased investment to keep an additional 50+ teachers is equal to $6.2 million annually.

FACT: For the last ten years the District has offered annual increases between 2-4% annually. The District offer is the largest single year raise to date.

 ​•The current 13% over two years offer is equal to an increased investment of $13.0 million.

*District’s last offer.  **SBTA last offer.

FACT: As a community-funded district, the majority of funding comes from property taxes. The District relies on a consistent increase in this funding to address employee salaries and increased costs. In past years, we received a 4-5% increase in funds. In the coming year, the Santa Barbara County Tax Assessor is projecting a decrease to 3.75%.

​•This signifies a decrease in the district's projected revenue of $2,262,638 for 24-25.
             •The state’s economic projections also impact our revenues, this year’s Cost of Living  Adjustment has been set at 1.07%. This creates less money for special education and transportation. 

Affordable Workforce Housing in Development

The District is currently developing workforce housing that will result in over 300+ units dedicated to SB Unified staff in the coming years. This will ensure that we can attract and retain teachers and staff so that they can live and work in our community.

Our Commitment to an Impactful Agreement

While we have reached momentous agreements on health premiums and class size reduction, we have not yet been able to come to an agreement on salary with SBTA. However, the District agrees with our labor partners that something impactful needs to be done for our employees.

The Board of Trustees and District Leadership greatly appreciate the work all of our employees do for our community.  Their efforts help shape the future of our students, and that dedication does not go unnoticed. We remain committed to letting the fiscal facts lead our negotiations. We look forward to finding a resolution reflecting that sentiment while ensuring fiscal sustainability. Our students deserve the best outcome from these negotiations.