The Fresno Teachers Association (FTA) has voted overwhelmingly to ratify the tentative agreement reached between the association and Fresno Unified School District.
According to the results tabulated by the American Arbitration Association, 92% of Fresno teachers voted in favor of ratification of the contract.
The final step of approval falls to the Fresno Unified Board of Trustees, which is set to vote on the agreement later this evening at its regularly-scheduled board meeting.
In the agreement, salaries would increase 21% over the three-year term.
That’s a gradual increase of 16% and 5% in one-time payments.
The agreement also calls for FTA and the district to work together, to place a bond measure on the ballot, so Fresno taxpayers can decide on whether they want to help pay for large improvements to Fresno Unified campuses – including more classroom space.
“We anticipate it passing, particularly with educator support we anticipate it passing. If there needs to be a backup plan, we’ll definitely design something at that point,” said Bonilla.
One area important to the FTA was reducing special needs caseloads. The new deal doesn’t include a way to reduce but it does create guidelines for special needs caseloads.
“This agreement is an historic investment in the future of our children and the future of Fresno,” FTA President Manuel Bonilla said. “I am immensely proud of our teachers for standing up for real, transformational change that will deliver smaller class sizes and greater classroom investment for every Fresno student.”
