Negotiations Update

NUSD Staff & Community,

You may be aware that we are in the middle of negotiations with Natomas Teacher Association (NTA) which started back in February. Last night at the board meeting, there were several public comments regarding the status of negotiations. We wanted to ensure that our staff had the most accurate information. We value our staff and do not want them to have the sense that the district is not meaningfully engaged in the negotiations process to finalize a contract for the 25-26 school year.

NTA is part of a statewide campaign with the California Teachers Association (CTA) called We Can’t Wait, that includes teachers’ unions in over 30 school districts. At the end of September, only two districts that are a part of this campaign had reached an agreement. Prior to ​NTA joining the We Can’t Wait campaign, our negotiation history since the 2020-2021​ school year consistently resulted in timely settlements, with certificated staff receiving a total of 19% in ongoing raises during that time period. While we acknowledge that we do not have the highest salary range in the region, we are solidly in the middle to upper half. We continually look at our comparability with other districts in the region and look for opportunities to address ongoing teacher compensation while maintaining fiscal solvency as a district.

When it was clear after 10 sessions in the spring that negotiations would need to continue beyond the end of the 24-25 school year, we offered to continue negotiating over the summer months to provide more time to work together through this process; however, that offer was declined by NTA leadership and unfortunately, negotiations did not resume until the school year started with two and a half months in between sessions. Since then, we have been actively negotiating, having met four times, with four more sessions scheduled in the coming weeks (we had a fifth scheduled for this Friday, which NTA leadership canceled). The fact that we still have these future dates planned made it especially shocking to hear that NTA leadership has said that negotiations have stalled. 

In the meantime, please be assured that the contract that is currently posted on the district’s website is still in full effect until a successor agreement is reached. We have heard that certificated staff have been told they are working without a contract which is not accurate.

Our next negotiation session with NTA is next week, and we will continue to provide updates to staff on our progress.  We value our staff and want to continue to move forward negotiating productively in a way that benefits our staff, but most importantly our students. 
 

Dear NUSD Families,

To keep our families informed, we want to share an update regarding labor negotiations between the District and the Natomas Teachers’ Association (NTA). After participating in mediation for two days, the District and NTA were unfortunately unable to reach an agreement and will now enter a process known as fact-finding.

Fact-finding is a structured, neutral process that includes a three-member panel consisting of a neutral party and one member appointed by each the District and NTA, to review information from both sides and provide recommendations to help move negotiations forward.

We still plan to collaborate with NTA leaders on behalf of our certificated staff, respecting the critical role certificated staff provides to students and families. We value these staff members and want to continue providing competitive compensation and benefits while remaining fiscally responsible as a district that serves over 16,000 students annually.

While this is happening, please know that our focus will continue to be on providing a safe, supportive, and high-quality educational experience for all students. We appreciate your partnership and patience as this process moves forward. Updates will be shared as appropriate.

Sincerely,

NUSD Communications

Dear Natomas Unified Community,

I want to take a moment to share an important update regarding our ongoing discussions with Natomas Teachers Association (NTA) about health care benefits for our certificated staff. As you know, health care costs continue to rise nationwide, placing real pressure on household budgets. We understand the impact this has on our staff. That is why the District, through our Health Benefits Committee, has continued to explore creative options that maintain high-quality coverage while also reducing monthly premiums.

We have consistently discussed with NTA an alternative high-quality health plan option that would significantly decrease monthly premiums and increase take-home pay for those who choose to enroll. 

If adopted, estimated annual savings could include:

• Up to $13,100 for an employee plus children

• Up to $10,400 for an employee and their full family

• Up to $6,900 for an employee plus one family member

• Up to $3,700 for an individual employee

These are the same health plans currently enjoyed by our support staff. By joining together under one plan, certificated staff would continue to have access to comprehensive, quality health benefits while seeing substantial reductions in monthly health care costs.

In addition, District leaders have discussed a financial stipend to help offset 2026 premium costs as we continue working toward a long-term solution for 2027. This would address both immediate and sustained financial support.

These conversations are ongoing and we remain committed to respectful dialogue and collaboration as they continue. My hope is to arrive at a solution soon that preserves quality coverage while providing meaningful financial relief.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robyn Castillo 

Superintendent
Natomas Unified School District

What does it mean that the District and the Teachers’ Association are at impasse?
Impasse means that after many bargaining sessions, the District and the Teachers’ Association were unable to reach agreement on all contract issues. When this happens, state law provides a next step called fact-finding.

What is fact-finding?
Fact-finding is a formal, structured, neutral process led by a neutral third-party fact-finder along with two other members appointed one each by the District and NTA. The fact-finder reviews information from both the District and the Teachers’ Association and then issues a report with findings and recommendations.

Does fact-finding mean schools will close or instruction will stop?
No. Schools remain open and operating as usual during fact-finding. Teaching and learning continue, and student programs and services are not impacted by this step.

Why does the District use fact-finding?
Fact-finding helps move negotiations forward by providing an independent review of the issues and offering recommendations that can support a fair and reasonable agreement.

How long does fact-finding take?
The timeline can vary. The process includes preparation, a hearing, and time for the fact-finder to write a report. to write a report. Families will be updated as the process unfolds.

Will the fact-finder make the final decision?
No. The fact-finder panel does not impose a contract. The report includes recommendations, and both parties continue working toward a mutually agreed-upon settlement.

How does the District keep students at the center during this process?
The District remains focused on providing a safe, stable, and high-quality learning environment for all students while continuing to work toward an agreement with our educators.

Where can families get updates?
Updates will be shared through district communications and posted on the District’s website as appropriate.