Impasse between Santa Barbara Unified School District and teachers could lead to months of mediation

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.- Since last November the Santa Barbara Unified School District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Union have failed to agree on all the conditions in a new 2024-2027 contract.

Pay and working conditions have been sticking points.

Now that they are officially at an impasse, state negotiators will take part in the process.

"It's it not all about the money there are other things that we have to take into consideration, such as class size, such as health and benefits," said SBUSD President Wendy Sims-Moten, " We are going to get through it we must get through it and we can't get through it unless we get through it together"

Teachers Union President Hozby Galindo said he is concerned that is could take 3-6 months.

"Every school we have been losing about a 100 educators who leave our district so if we need to fill those positions it is going to be very difficult to compete with somebody else," said Galindo.

They have reached a tentative agreement to keep class sized in check.

"It's it not all about the money there are other things that we have to take into consideration, such as class size, such as health and benefits," said Sims-Moten, "We are going to get through it we must get through it and we can't get through it unless we get through it together"

There can't be a strike during the process, but there can be rallies and walkouts.

Walkouts similar to those held the past few months at high schools and junior highs are up to students.

Teachers held clever signs at the school board meeting on Tuesday night.

One teachers held up a sign that ead "Teachers Just Wanna Have Funds."

Teachers in an overflow viewing room said they are planning a big rally to raise awareness about the issues teachers are fighting for in the community.

Galindo said 150 businesses have already voiced support for increasing teacher salaries.

Some would like to see what amounts to a 20 percent raise in the next few years.

Many teachers said their pensions will be based on the their income on their final year in the classroom.

The school board agreed to meet with the state appointed mediator on March 5, but Galindo said teachers are urging the district to pick one of two earlier dates proposed by the mediator in February.