San Diego’s teachers union has sent school officials a blueprint of what they want in their teaching contract this year. But union leaders face some big hurdles. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has the story.
The union's current contract expires in June. That's the same time state lawmakers will be haggling over how much funding public schools will get.
Right now San Diego Unified stands to lose $80 million in state funding.
Union leader Marc Capitelli says asking for a five-and-a-half percent pay raise this year will be difficult, but his bargaining team won't back down.
Capitelli : Is it a tough time, you bet it’s a tough time. But it’s also tough for those of us who are now trying to live in San Diego. And one of our beliefs is that teachers should be able to live in a middle class range and the district should pay their employees appropriately.
The union also wants to keep class sizes small and give teachers more prep time. But district officials say it’ll be difficult considering they may have to layoff hundreds of teachers before next school year.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
