Santa Maria elementary teachers rally amid contract impasse

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Dozens of teachers rallied in Santa Maria Wednesday as their union tries to come to an agreement on working conditions with the Santa Maria Bonita Bonita School District.

They say the district has put forth a number of proposals that call for additional required duties beyond a normal workday. They point to a 20 percent increase in the number of classes for junior high teachers.

Members of the Santa Maria Elementary Education Association feel the district's proposals undermine their efforts in the last year during the pandemic.

"These are teachers and teacher supporters coming together," SMEEA President Jose Segura said. "We're here to protect kids and protect jobs and see that teachers get a fair contact."

We reached out to the district for comment. Santa Maria Bonita School District Superintendent Luke Ontiveros responded: "You are likely aware that SMEEA declared unilateral impasse in the current negotiations. The Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) certified impasse and has assigned a mediator for May 26."