San Lorenzo teachers are considering a possible strike over failed contract negotiations.
Teachers in the San Lorenzo Unified School District are asking for a pay raise, but are unable to agree with the school board on exactly how much.
Hundreds of teachers, students and supporters lined the streets Tuesday afternoon to raise awareness on failed negotiations. The large group of protesters also filed into a school board meeting later in the evening to voice their support for teachers receiving a raise.
Teachers want about a 6-percent salary increase. However, the school board is only willing to provide a 1 percent pay hike. Negotiations have hit an impasse, which prompted Tuesday's protest.
The San Lorenzo Education Association said teachers are leaving the district for higher-paying jobs elsewhere.
"Thirty teachers left our district for higher-paying jobs elsewhere," said Donna Pinkney, a member of the teacher's union. "Not having competitive salaries makes it hard for the district to higher new teachers."
Superintendent Fred Brill could not expand on whether the protest will affect negotiations, but said a teacher strike is something the district wants to avoid.
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"It would be devastating," Brill said of a possible teacher strike. "I believe we need to put the needs of our children first and foremost."
Both the the teachers union and district are scheduled to meet for mediation on Oct. 30. If both sides are still unable to find middle ground during mediation, teachers may decide to go on strike.
