The San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) board recently approved a settlement agreement with the San Dieguito Faculty Association (SDFA) on June 11, which supports teachers through a 1% salary increase.
This increase is set to be retroactive to July 1, 2024, as part of a new collective bargaining agreement between the district and the union. The move reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to valuing its educators.
Positive Negotiations and Shared Goals
The SDFA and the district both reported a smooth and professional negotiation process over the past few months.
Michelle Horsley, President of SDFA and a teacher at Sunset High School, emphasized that the primary goal was to put students first, acknowledge the hard work of educators, and maintain a healthy fiscal position for the district.
She also stressed the importance of attracting and retaining top educators, especially in light of the current educator shortage.
“Our shared interests have always included making decisions that put students first, honoring and acknowledging the professional educators that make up SDFA, maintaining the fiscal health of the district, and fostering a culture of collaboration,” said Horsley.
This sentiment was echoed by the district, which aimed to balance support for educators with the need to maintain financial stability.
Salary Increases for Other Employees
In addition to the agreement with SDFA, the district also reached an agreement with the California School Employees Association, which represents classified employees. These employees will also receive a 1% salary increase for the 2024-25 year, along with a 0.5% increase in longevity benefits.
The board further approved a 1% salary increase for management, supervisory, and confidential employees within the district. This broad salary boost shows a commitment to supporting all levels of staff across the district.
Concerns About Financial Impact
Despite the positive steps taken, SDUHSD Trustee Michael Allman expressed concerns regarding the financial impact of the new agreements. He voted against the SDFA agreement, citing worries about the district’s financial future.
Specifically, Allman raised concerns about a clause in the contract that requires San Dieguito teachers to be the highest paid in the county, which could lead to the district having to provide raises, even in challenging financial times.
“I was disappointed that although we have a new contract here… we weren’t able to eliminate the clause that abdicates our fiscal responsibility for managing our expenses,” said Allman.
He also pointed out that the district’s labor costs were impacted by similar agreements made by Grossmont, a nearby district.
District’s Financial Stability
In response to these concerns, Superintendent Anne Staffieri reassured the board that the district is financially stable. According to the public disclosure required by Assembly Bill 1200, the district can meet its financial obligations for the next three years.
Although Allman disagreed with the reported financial figures, the county reviewed the district’s documents and confirmed that the salary increases would not jeopardize the district’s financial health.
The district’s budget for 2025-26 includes deficit spending for the next two years, with plans to achieve a surplus three years down the line.
This long-term financial plan aims to ensure that the district remains on solid ground despite current challenges.
The San Dieguito Union High School District’s recent approval of a salary increase for educators and staff highlights the district’s commitment to supporting its employees while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
While some concerns were raised about the financial impact, the district has assured the community that it can continue to meet its obligations.
As the educator shortage continues to affect many areas, agreements like this are crucial for retaining quality teachers and maintaining a positive learning environment for students.
