GUSD Reaches Agreement With Teachers

GILROY, CA -- The Gilroy Unified School District gave the nod to requests from the teacher's union for a 6 percent salary increase over the next 18 months, the result of a hard-fought battle that may have led to a "work stoppage," district spokeswoman Melanie Corona indicated.

The school district was prepared to give the teacher's a 2 percent hike, but teachers declined and negotiations continued in the "very challenging" process, she added. The end-all agreement was signed then ratified by the Gilroy Teachers Association by Sept. 20.

"Somewhere we need to find $4 million," Corona said.

No open positions that fall under the general fund will be filled.

Corona cited declining enrollment as an issue that has squeezed the district, as schools are funded by a dwindling population of those either moving out or opting out of the massively expensive San Francisco Bay Area.

"People just can't afford to live here. It has a tremendous impact on our funding," she said.

The collective bargaining agreement also includes a boost in extra-duty pay and increase in medical benefits.

"We got what we had asked for," Gilroy Teachers Association President Jonathan Bass said.

The district reiterated how it values its teachers.

"Over the next weeks and months, the district will identify ways to reduce expenditures in order to meet our commitment and maintain appropriate reserves for the stability of the organization," district Superintendent Deborah A. Flores said.

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