Negotiations Update
Santa Barbara Teacher's Association (SBTA)
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Santa Barbara Unified’s Board of Education approved an agreement to build 106 affordable apartments near San Marcos High School for local teachers and school staff.
The Tatum project addresses the high cost of living in southern Santa Barbara County, which has made it difficult for educators to afford housing near the schools where they work.
"Great schools are built by people and people need stable, affordable places to call home," said Dr. Hilda Maldonado, Superintendent of Santa Barbara Unified School District. "We are committed to making that possible. This project reflects a simple conviction: the educators who dedicate their careers to the children of Santa Barbara deserve to live here, too. "
The project will use a 3.65-acre portion of land off Hollister Avenue. In 2021, the school board agreed to sell the land to a private developer, Red Tail, on the condition that a portion of it be returned for affordable staff housing.
Under the newly approved deal, the District bought back the site for $7.4 million. The developer financed the entire purchase price, meaning no money left the district at closing.
The District then signed a 99-year lease with the affordable housing developer FLT San Simeon Oaks. The district keeps ownership of the land, and the buildings will belong to the district at the end of the lease. The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara will manage the property.
The project stands out because it will not cost District taxpayers any money. Typically, public agencies must pass local tax bonds or spend general fund money to build housing. Instead, the developer is bringing roughly $60 million in private and federal financing to fund construction. The District is not committing any general fund or bond money and will not build the project or run it.
Of the 106 units, 97 are reserved first for Santa Barbara Unified employees. Any remaining open units will be offered to other area school employees and local nonprofit workers. Eight units are set aside for veterans, and one is for an on-site manager. All units are income-restricted, with rent geared toward households earning around 60% of the area median income.
Construction will move forward under the guidance of the private developer and the local housing authority
Reach Tentative Agreements on Wages & Class Size Flexibility
Tentative Agreements to be Ratified by SBTA Members and Board of Trustees
Introduction
This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) eleventh and final 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. After negotiating the last 2 articles this morning, SBTA and SBUSD have concluded negotiations for the 26-27 school year.
SBUSD & SBTA Reach Tentative Agreements on Final 2 Articles
- Wages: SBUSD and SBTA reached a Tentative Agreement to provide a $1,500 ongoing raise to all certificated employees.
- Secondary Class Size: SBUSD and SBTA agreed to allow secondary class size case loads to exceed current limits if the school administrator and teacher agree. The District would pay teachers $1,000 per semester for each additional student.
The District thanks SBTA’s bargaining team for a collaborative negotiation process.
Next Steps:
Tentative Agreements to be Ratified by SBTA Members and Board of Trustees.
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
Counterproposals Exchanged on Wages & Class Size Flexibility
Hourly Pay & Elementary Specials Proposals Mutually Withdrawn
Introduction
This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) tenth 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.
Counterproposals Exchanged on Wages & Class Size Flexibility
- Wages: SBUSD began the day with a District finances update and responded to SBTA’s prior proposal ($2,800 ongoing raise and $2,100 one-time) with the same proposal as the prior session, a $1,000 raise. SBTA returned a $2,000 counteroffer without a one-time payment.
- Secondary Class Size: SBUSD and SBTA continue to pass counterproposals on this item and will discuss it further at the next meeting. Both sides have agreed to compensation amounts, but have not agreed on specific language in this article
Hourly Pay & Elementary Specials Articles Mutually Withdrawn
- Hourly Pay & Elementary Specials: SBUSD and SBTA mutually agreed to withdraw the Hourly Pay and Elementary Specials proposals. These items can be discussed again in a future round of bargaining.
Next Steps:
The next negotiation sessions will take place on May 11, 2026.
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
SBUSD & SBTA Exchange Counter Proposals on Hourly Pay,
Class Size, & Elementary Specials
SBTA Counters on Wages
Introduction
This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) ninth 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 & SBTA Reach Tentative Agreement on Elementary Prep Time
- Elementary Prep Time: SBUSD and SBTA agreed to new language that provides both classroom and specials teachers with 8 prep periods per month.
SBUSD & SBTA Exchange Counter Proposals on Hourly Pay & Class Size
- Hourly Pay: SBUSD and SBTA exchanged counterproposals to increase certificated employees' hourly pay by 10%.
- Class Size Flexibility: SBUSD added language allowing the assignment of extra students for pay only to permanent teachers. SBTA countered with language to pay teachers $500 for a one-term class and $1,000 for a two-term class.
SBTA Counters on Wages
- Wages: SBTA countered with a proposal to increase wages by a flat total of $2,800, plus a one-time bonus of $2,100 dollars for all certificated employees. SBTA’s initial proposal was $3,000, and the District’s first counteroffer was $1,000.
SBUSD Provides Sample Specials Schedule
- Elementary Specials: At SBTA’s request, SBUSD provided a sample specials schedule, demonstrating the viability of SBUSD’s proposal from the prior session.
Next Steps:
The next negotiation sessions will take place on May 1 and 11, 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 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
Did You Know?
SB Unified Housing Update
Prop 28 and Arts Block Grant
Post Fact Finding Process
Fact Finding Process
SB Unified is Community Funded
Reemployment Rights
March 15th Reduction In Force Notification
Community Schools Partnership Â
Travel and Conferences
LCAP Process Beginning
Budget ProcessÂ
Restricted and Unrestricted FundsÂ
School District Budgets and Reserves
What Happens in the Impasse Process?
California School Employee Association (CSEA)
SBUSD & CSEA Conclude 2026-27 Negotiations
Reach Tentative Agreements on Wages, Reclassification, & Professional Learning
Tentative Agreements to be Ratified by CSEA Members and Board of Trustees
Introduction
This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) eighth and final Negotiations Update for 2025-2026 “reopener” contract negotiations between the District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA). “Reopener” negotiations means this is the third year of a three-year contract. After reaching agreements on the last three articles this morning, CSEA and SBUSD have concluded negotiations for the 26-27 school year.
SBUSD & CSEA Reach Tentative Agreements on Wages, Reclassification, & Professional Learning
- Wages: SBUSD and CSEA reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) to provide a 2.5% ongoing raise to all classified employees.
- Reclassification: The Tentative agreement includes clarified contract language and a simplified process to determine reclassification decisions.
- Professional Learning: This Tentative Agreement creates an Associates degree stipend for classified employees and reimbursement for approved professional learning. It also increased the Bachelor’s degree stipend and added stipends compensation for CSEA leadership roles.
The District thanks CSEA’s bargaining team for a collaborative negotiation process.
Next Steps:
Tentative Agreements to be Ratified by CSEA Members and the Board of Trustees.
Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
Joanna Powell, General Counsel
Esteban Camara, Personnel Manager Classified
Alex Sheldon, San Marcos Assistant Principal
SBUSD & CSEA Reach Tentative Agreements and Exchange Proposals on Wages, Transfers, and Professional Learning
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 California School Employees Association (CSEA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract.
SBUSD & CSEA Reach Tentative Agreements
- Benefits (Health and Welfare): SBUSD and CSEA reached a tentative agreement confirming that vision coverage will be paid at 100% for employees.
- CSEA Rights (Article 4): SBUSD and CSEA reached a tentative agreement clarifying that reasonable access is defined by a District designee rather than a site principal, with no other substantive changes to the article.
SBUSD & CSEA Exchange Proposals on Transfers
- CSEA first passed a proposal addressing employee-initiated transfers, involuntary transfers, and seniority protections. SBUSD then responded with a counterproposal that aligns transfer definitions with certificated language, clarifies that the District will provide reasons tied to operational need, and adds a requirement to meet and consult with CSEA prior to certain transfers.
CSEA Counters on Wages
- CSEA countered the District’s latest proposal with a 4.5% ongoing salary increase and a $2,100 one-time payment.
CSEA Proposal on Professional Learning
- CSEA proposed restructuring the current system by eliminating the existing points- and committee-based structure and replacing it with simplified flat-rate stipends tied to degrees, certifications, and participation. SBUSD indicated it is analyzing the proposal for its fiscal impact.
Next Steps:
The next negotiation session is on May 5, 2026.
Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
Joanna Powell, General Counsel
Esteban Camara, Personnel Manager Classified
Alex Sheldon, San Marcos Assistant Principal
SBUSD & CSEA Reach Tentative Agreement on Transfers
SBUSD & CSEA Exchange Wages & Professional Learning
Counterproposals
CSEA Offers Counterproposal on Reclassifications
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 California School Employees Association (CSEA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract.
SBUSD & CSEA Reach Tentative Agreement on Transfers
- Transfers: The parties agreed to the process for District and employee-initiated transfers. Under the TA, employees may request transfers at any time and for any reason, and the District must meet and consult with CSEA prior to initiating disciplinary or work performance-related transfers.
SBUSD & CSEA Exchange Wages & Professional Learning Counterproposals
- Wages: SBUSD began the day with a District finances update and responded to CSEA’s prior proposal (4.5% raise and a $2,100 one-time payment) with the same proposal as the prior offer, 2.5% raise. CSEA returned a counter of 3.5% raise and a $1,000 one-time payment.
- Professional Learning: SBUSD and CSEA exchanged offers regarding an additional stipend for classified employees with an Associate’s Degree, as well as reimbursement for work-related education costs.
CSEA Offers Counterproposal on Reclassifications
- Reclassification: CSEA proposed modifications to the reclassification process. The District will review the proposal and respond in a future bargaining session.
Next Steps:
The next negotiation session is on May 13, 2026.
Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
Joanna Powell, General Counsel
Esteban Camara, Personnel Manager Classified
Alex Sheldon, San Marcos Assistant Principal
SB Unified & CSEA Meet for Fifth Negotiations Update
SB Unified & CSEA Exchange Counters on Wages, Health, & CSEA Rights
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 California School Employees Association (CSEA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract.
SB Unified & CSEA Exchange Counters on Wages, Health, & CSEA Rights
- Wages: CSEA passed a counter to the wage increase with 5% for the 26-27 school year. The District countered with 2.5%.
- Health: CSEA asked the District to pay for 100% vision insurance for dependents, and the District agreed. CSEA also requested that the District include domestic partners in health insurance coverage, which the District declined due to the cost of the article.
- Union Rights: CSEA passed a proposal to increase the Union President’s district-paid release time from 40% to 50% of the workday. The proposal also included requests for a dedicated office space for CSEA and 30 minutes per month of meeting time during working hours for union member meetings. While the District agreed to the increase in the President's release time, it declined to provide a designated room or the additional 30 minutes of meeting time with CSEA members.
Next Steps:
The next negotiation session is on April 24, 2026.
Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
Joanna Powell, General Counsel
Esteban Camara, Personnel Manager Classified
Alex Sheldon, San Marcos Assistant Principal
SBUSD and CSEA Meet for Fourth Round of Negotiations
SBUSD Counters on Wages, Health Benefits, and Reclassification
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 California School Employees Association (CSEA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract.
SBUSD Counters on Wages, Health Benefits, and Reclassification
- Wages: The District proposed a 2% salary increase for CSEA. A percentage was chosen over a flat rate to preserve the integrity of our various classified salary schedules and length of workyear. The total cost of this proposal is $1.3 million.
- Health: The District gave a counterproposal that maintains the existing insurance contract language due to the significant increase in benefit costs and a prioritization of putting any budget increases to employee wages.
- Reclassification: The District countered with language that specifies the process for reclassification. SBUSD also expressed its desire to review job descriptions through an agreement outside the labor contract.
Next Steps:
The next negotiation session is on March 25, 2026.
Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
Joanna Powell, General Counsel
Esteban Camara, Personnel Manager Classified
Alex Sheldon, San Marcos Assistant Principal
2022-2023 Labor Negotiations Updates
Ed Zuchelli
The District is looking forward to upcoming labor negotiations with Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA). The negotiations process begins with the required sunshining (announcing) of both the SBTA and SB Unified proposals for labor negotiations at tonight’s (Tuesday) Board Meeting. At the November 14th Board Meeting, the proposals will be voted on by the School Board. After Board approval, the District and SBTA have agreed and are scheduled to meet for their first negotiation session on November 15th. We have two other dates in November and December already scheduled for further negotiations prior to Winter Break. Last Spring, the District expressed interest in starting negotiations early and is following through on that by starting approximately three to four months earlier than in previous years. The District has proposed to SBTA additional negotiation dates in January, February, and March, knowing that this process could take us into the Spring.
The entire contract is open for negotiations, and compensation and health benefits are the most critical and impactful topics to solve. The District values its employees and stands ready to engage in meaningful negotiations on November 15th of any proposals that are brought forward.
Ed Zuchelli
We are pleased to announce Santa Barbara Unified and CSEA reached tentative agreements on articles that were brought forward for negotiations last school year. I want to thank the work of the CSEA and SB Unified negotiations teams. These tentative agreements are the representation of our mutual interest to do what is best for our employees.
Tentative agreements are centered around the following articles: Vacation Leave and Uniform Allowance.
The deal is pending ratification from CSEA members and approval of the School Board.
Ed Zuchelli
The District met with CSEA for a sixth round of negotiations on Friday, July 7.
The District and CSEA reached a tentative agreement on Article 27- Vacation Leave. The changes are designed to better outline the process of how vacation requests and approvals occur. As of July 7, CSEA and the District have not come to an agreement on Articles 30 & 38 related to Workers’ Compensation. All items agreed to by both sides are pending ratification from CSEA members and approval of the School Board.
SBTA
Additionally, the Board of Trustees ratified the agreements with Santa Barbara Teacher’s Association during the June 27 meeting. Click here to review the agenda and see the ratified articles. You can also find them on this webpage.
Ed Zuchelli
The District met with CSEA for a fifth round of negotiations on Friday, June 9.
The District and CSEA reached a tentative agreement on Article 15 - Uniform Allowance. This article will cover the cost of uniforms for employees in certain classifications.
Both sides will meet for negotiations again on June 23rd to continue discussing Articles 27- Vacation Leave and Articles 30 & 38 related to Workers’ Compensation.
Next Steps
The District is confident both will continue to work together in good faith to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
The next CSEA negotiating session is June 23.
Ed Zuchelli
We are pleased to announce Santa Barbara Unified and SBTA reached tentative agreements on all articles that have been brought forward. As superintendent, I am so proud of the work of the SBTA and SBUSD negotiations teams, as the final products from the negotiations bring coherence and consistency to our programs and practices. These tentative agreements are the representation of our mutual interest in what is best for our employees.
Tentative agreements are centered around the following articles: special education caseloads, secondary working conditions related to zero and seventh periods, elementary prep time, adjunct duties, and leaves.
The deal is pending ratification from SBTA members and approval of the School Board.
There were no labor negotiations with CSEA this week.
Next Steps
The District is confident in the ability to work with CSEA in good faith to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
The next CSEA negotiating session is June 9.