Fresno Unified, Teachers Agree on Historic 3-Year Contract

The Fresno Teachers Association and Fresno Unified School District have reached tentative agreement on a three-year contract that runs through June 2022.

Superintendent Bob Nelson announced the agreement at Wednesday night’s board of trustees meeting.

Nelson: Agreement Grounded in Today’s Finances

“We looked through all the records going back as far as we have them, and we couldn’t find a single instance in which the district had successfully negotiated a contract ahead of the current one expiring,” Nelson said.

“It’s an agreement grounded in today’s finances, and it allows us” to focus on educating students, he said.

Related Story: Will Fresno Unified Labor Peace End or Continue?

Contract Must Be Ratified by Teachers and Trustees

The contract still must be voted on by FTA members and ratified by the board of trustees. The current contract expires June 30.

FTA President Manuel Bonilla said the tentative agreement resulted from negotiations this week in which both sides were able to iron out their remaining differences.

2% Annual Raises and Potential for More

Contract terms weren’t revealed at the meeting, but it’s believed that teachers will get 3%-a-year raises, a 1.5% one-time bonus, and other annual raises based on an evaluation of the district’s financial condition each year. Class size reductions also are included.

“We have three years now to really build something that is good for the district and educators and will improve the classrooms,” Bonilla said. “We are taking a holistic approach that accounts for everyone’s needs. This experience and process have set up a solid foundation to build upon.”

The tenor of negotiations was remarkably positive in contrast to last year when a strike was avoided at the last minute after a long and bitter public fight.