Another teachers strike has officially been averted after San Ramon Valley teachers voted Thursday to ratify their agreement with the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, officials with the San Ramon Valley Education Association said.
A few of the highlights of the agreement include a 4 percent ongoing raise, an increase in the health benefit plan and trust for retired employees and lower student to staff ratios for nurses, counselors and teacher librarians.
"For the first time, our nurses and teacher librarians are part of the collective bargaining agreement with defined ratios. Our elementary educators are getting additional time to collaborate and prepare for our kids," the union said in a statement.
"We are grateful for the parent community who stood by us, wearing red and letting management know we are all in solidarity for our students," the statement read.
San Ramon Valley Education Association president Ann Katzburg said the agreement will provide so many enhancements for students such as caps on class sizes and caseloads and extended preparation time for elementary school teachers.
Following the ratification vote, teachers will get their retroactive salaries for the 2018-19 school year.
"This agreement builds a bridge to the future, allowing both parties opportunities to work collaboratively on a coordinated effort to support local and statewide funding concerns," SRVUSD Superintendent Rick Schmitt said.
