Negotiations Update

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Family Strike FAQs

Is there going to be a teacher strike?
Only the Natomas Teachers Association (NTA) can decide whether to call a strike or return to the negotiating table to work toward an agreement.

Will schools remain open if there is a strike?
Yes. The District’s intent is to keep schools open, safe, and supervised during regular school hours in the event of a strike. Plans are in place to continue providing instruction and student supervision. 

Will afterschool programs remain open?
Yes. The District will work with our partners to keep afterschool programs running during regularly scheduled program hours.

Should I send my child to school during a strike?
Yes. Our intent is to keep all Natomas Unified schools open. While school is open, all students will be supervised and educated by qualified substitutes, as well as provided school meals as they normally would be.

Is my child required to attend school?
Yes. The Education Code of the State of California requires attendance in schools under compulsory attendance laws, which states that “Each person between the ages of 6 and 18 is subject to compulsory full-time education.” (EC 48200). There are no exceptions made for a strike or other labor action.

Can my child still participate in high school athletics if they are not in school?
No. CIF doe not allow students to participate in practice and games if they are absent from school.

How will a strike affect my child?
A teacher strike hurts everyone involved. Students lose valuable instructional time with their regular teachers, families must adjust to altered or uncertain schedules, and teachers lose a significant amount of pay for each day on strike.

When teachers strike, no one wins. This is why NUSD has asked union leaders to choose negotiation over a strike and to return to the bargaining table to find a solution that works for students, teachers, and the community.

How long could a strike last?
It is not possible to predict the duration of a strike. Length depends on how quickly negotiations resume and an agreement is reached. In California, recent teacher strikes in other districts have lasted from a few days to approximately one week. The District’s goal is to resolve negotiations as quickly as possible while continuing services to students.

If I choose to keep my child home from school in support of a teacher strike, will my child’s absence be excused?
No. The Education Code sets very specific reasons a child may be absent from school. A strike is not one of those reasons. Students with unexcused absences are considered truant and are subject to NUSD’s truancy policies.

Will my child be permitted to make up tests and class work missed during an unexcused absence?
Lessons will be made up in consultation with individual teachers. Keeping a child home during a teacher strike could have serious ramifications on grades, performance, attendance, and participation in extracurricular activities. 

Who will teach our children?
Natomas Unified is recruiting qualified substitute teachers to fill in for striking teachers. These substitute teachers have met the qualifications to serve as substitutes in the classroom. We will also utilize district office staff with credentials to provide support as needed at our sites. Additionally, we are working with our community partners to provide exciting and enriching educational experiences.

Will my child be properly supervised at school during a strike?
As is the case throughout the school year, Natomas Unified is taking every step available to ensure all students are properly supervised on our campus during a strike. Natomas Unified’s Safety and Safe Schools Department will be out to support our schools and utilize Sac PD to ensure that any traffic or access caused by picket lines or other strike activities do not compromise student safety.

What will students do in school during a strike?
Students will continue to receive a variety of engaging learning experiences including English Language Arts and math as well as enrichment activities through music, art and STEM activities, college and career exploration, and social-emotional learning. While the day may look different, our priority is to ensure that students are highly engaged in educational experiences throughout the school day.

Your student’s site administration will be on site and visible to welcome students and families.

Will there still be Athletics?

Athletics for high school will continue as planned. Afterschool Sports for Elementary and Middle School students will be postponed until further notice.

What about Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or Honors courses?
It’s really important for students to be in class as they are preparing to take AP and IB exams and obtaining crucial information that will help them to be successful.

Will schools remain open if there is a strike?
Yes. The District’s intent is to keep schools open, safe, and supervised during regular school hours in the event of a strike. Plans are in place to continue providing instruction and student supervision. 

Will afterschool programs remain open?
Yes. The District will work with our partners to keep afterschool programs running during regularly scheduled program hours.

Are teachers required to strike if they are union members?
No. Union membership does not require an employee to participate in a strike. Each employee makes an individual decision whether or not to participate.

If an employee chooses not to strike, can they still work?
Yes. Employees who report to work will continue to receive their regular pay. Based on operational needs, staff may be temporarily reassigned to ensure student supervision and safety.

Do employees lose pay if they strike?
Yes. Employees who participate in a strike do not receive pay for the days they do not work. Accumulated sick leave or personal necessity leave cannot be used during a strike, and pay will be immediately adjusted.

Based on the current 183.5-day salary schedule:

• A beginning teacher salary (Step 1, BA degree + 30 units) stands to lose $318 per day.
• An average teacher salary with ten years experience (Step 10, BA + 75 units) would lose about $493 per day. 
• A veteran teacher salary at the top of the pay scale would lose $661 per day.

Classified staff pay will be reduced based on hourly pay for each work day they do not work.

Extra-duty pay tied to a specific workday may be reduced. Stipends not tied to a specific workday generally are not reduced. 

Are employees eligible for unemployment benefits if they participate in a strike?
No. A strike is considered a voluntary interruption of employment. Therefore, employees are not eligible for unemployment compensation during strike days.

How does participating in a strike affect retirement?
Strike days are considered unpaid leave and are not creditable service toward STRS or PERS retirement. Strike days will impact an employee’s ability to earn a full year of service credit, which could affect retirement timelines.

Would health benefits be affected?
Health benefits are not immediately impacted by a strike. However, extended work stoppages may require review under applicable benefit plan rules.

When is it legal for employees to go on strike?
A strike is only legal after all impasse resolution procedures under state law have been completed, including fact-finding. Once the fact-finding report is issued and made public, the union may lawfully call a strike. Informational picketing is permitted so long as it does not encourage or relate to an unlawful work stoppage.

Does the union have to give the District notice before striking?
While not legally mandated, it is standard practice for unions to provide advance notice—typically at least 72 hours—before initiating a strike. Advance notice helps the District implement plans to maintain a safe learning environment.

How long could a strike last?
It is not possible to predict the duration of a strike. Length depends on how quickly negotiations resume and an agreement is reached. In California, recent teacher strikes in other districts have lasted from a few days to approximately one week. The District’s goal is to resolve negotiations as quickly as possible while continuing services to students.

How can the District afford substitute teachers during a strike?
Employees who choose to strike are not paid for those days. The District anticipates that salary savings from unpaid strike days would help offset the cost of substitute coverage. There is no separate funding source designated specifically for strike-related substitute costs.

Can an employee be disciplined for participating in a strike?
Employees cannot be disciplined for participating in a lawful strike. However, participating in unlawful work stoppages (including strikes prior to completion of the legal process or coordinated “sick outs”) may result in discipline. Teachers remain responsible for fulfilling professional obligations unless a lawful strike is in effect. Questions about required duties should be directed to Human Resources.

Are employees allowed to cross the picket line to work only part of the day?
No. Employees participating in a strike may not partially perform duties during the same workday. They are either on strike, or they are coming to work for the whole day.

Can classified employees serve as substitutes?
Possibly. Decisions would depend on operational needs, job responsibilities, and maintaining safe school operations. Classified employees play essential roles in maintaining school functions during any work stoppage.

Will employees be allowed to attend conferences or staff development?
District-wide professional development would be cancelled during a strike. Employees registered for external conferences may attend if they provide verification of active participation and are not participating in the strike.

Are there other potential impacts to employees who strike?
Depending on the number of strike days, probationary status could be extended, advancement on the salary schedule may be delayed, and sick leave accrual could be reduced.

If the District received a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), why can’t it simply provide that as a salary increase?
COLA is applied to certain state funding sources and is intended to help offset rising operational costs due to inflation. This increase to the budget is not solely to provide salary increases. The District must address increased pension contributions, special education costs, utilities, supplies, step and column movement, enrollment trends, and long-term fiscal stability. All of these factors are considered during negotiations.

Where can I learn more about the status of negotiations for NUSD?
Please visit https://www.natomasunified.org/our-district/negotiations-update for more information.
 

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. 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.

Agreement Reached with NTA

We are pleased to share that the District has reached a tentative agreement with the Natomas Teachers Association (NTA). We are appreciative of the work and efforts of both teams to come to an agreement Reaching this agreement means that the work stoppage has come to an end and certificated staff will be returning to the sites Thursday, March 19. 

We appreciate your patience and continued support as we work collaboratively to ensure a positive learning environment for all students.
 

We are providing Natomas Unified families with an update on negotiations with the Natomas Teachers’ Association (NTA). 

We are in active negotiations but have not yet reached an agreement that would end the strike and restore normal classroom instruction for our students. 

Please know that we are working hard to move this process forward and find a resolution. 

Updated District Proposal:
    
Last night, we presented an updated proposal to NTA leadership. The updated proposal consists of a 4.25% ongoing increase over two years and an additional increase to the District’s health benefit contribution for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 benefit years.  The monthly benefit increases are reflected in the chart below and can be applied to all NTA insurance options. 

The District’s proposal also includes a commitment to establish a joint labor-management committee to explore other health insurance options to reduce employee contributions and improve future coverage options. The joint committee will inform the District and NTA leadership prior to the next negotiation cycle and beyond.

Overall, the District’s three-year proposal represents an estimated increase of $14 million toward NTA member salary and benefits.    

We understand this strike is disruptive, but we are focused on bargaining with our students in mind, ensuring we’re protecting classroom investments and student programs and avoiding long-term financial commitments, particularly unpredictable health care costs, that would place the District’s financial stability at risk. 

We ask the community to review credible information about the financial realities facing our district. When the District says NTA demands are unsustainable, we encourage families not to take our word for it alone. Read the independent fact finding report by a neutral third party, which warns that accepting the health and benefit demands of NTA could place the District at risk of fiscal insolvency.

While negotiations continue, schools will remain open, and the District will continue providing safe supervision, meals and curriculum for students.  

We appreciate your support of Natomas schools and students. 

As families head into the weekend, we are providing an update on ongoing negotiations between Natomas Unified School District and the Natomas Teachers’ Association (NTA).

We understand this week has looked and felt different for many families, and we want our community to know that we are doing everything we can to find a resolution, get teachers back into classrooms, and restore normal school routines for our students.

As this process continues, we want to remind our community that facts are important.

A fact-finding report developed by a neutral third party found that the current offer being made by the District is a strong offer. It includes a 4% salary increase over two years and a health benefit option that costs employees $0, with the District investing up to $30,000 annually per employee for those who choose family coverage. 

The report also expresses serious concerns about the financial risks associated with the proposal put forward by NTA. Here is what the report says relative to NTA’s demands for ongoing 100% fully District-funded health care benefits:

“That proposal may just be affordable for this year, but no-cost-to-employee health and welfare options are unpredictable to budget for in future years, and in this era of declining enrollment and smaller budgets, could drive the District into insolvency.”

Given future health care costs are unpredictable, the District must maintain a safeguard and point in time to assess costs and determine ongoing benefit plan opportunities within our fiscal realities. 

This is not the District’s opinion. This is what the neutral, independent report says. We encourage you to read it: Natomas 2026 Report.

Earlier this week during our Board of Trustees meeting, the District presented its 2025–2026 budget update, which reflects the difficult financial decisions we have already made in order to put this strong offer on the table. To make this proposal possible, the District has identified millions of dollars in budget cuts, including reductions to administrative positions and operations, contracts, and other expenditures.

These were not easy decisions, but they reflect the District’s effort to support teachers while also protecting students and the programs our community has worked hard to build.

At the same time, we must be clear about the financial limits we face. Based on current projections, accepting the demands put forward by NTA would require approximately $35 million in cuts to student programs and staffing within the District’s budget.

Natomas Unified remains committed to supporting our educators and protecting the stability of our schools. We will continue working toward a resolution that allows our teachers to return to classrooms while ensuring the long-term health of our district.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support of Natomas Unified students and schools.

Natomas Unified School District

Latest Update - March 12, 2026

Yesterday, we shared information about the ongoing negotiations between Natomas Unified School District and the Natomas Teachers’ Association (NTA), including a fact sheet outlining key points from the independent fact-finding process required under California law.

You can access that fact sheet below: What Families Need to Know

 We know this situation is disruptive and challenging for many families. Please know that we understand the impact this has on our students and our community, and we are working hard to reach a resolution that gets our teachers back into classrooms as quickly as possible.

As we continue this process, facts remain important. A neutral fact-finding panel reviewed the District’s finances, the proposals from NUSD and NTA, and what is financially possible within our budget. 

The conclusion of that independent review was clear: the District’s offer is reasonable within the financial realities of Natomas Unified.

The report raised serious concerns about the financial risks associated with the proposal put forward by NTA. The report states: 

“That proposal may just be affordable for this year, but no-cost-to-employee health and welfare options are unpredictable to budget for in future years and, in this era of declining enrollment and smaller budgets, could drive the District into insolvency. The risks associated with that may be too large for the District to face at this time.” 

We encourage you to review the full report below.

Based on the cost of NTA’s salary and benefits demands, using NTA’s own budget assumptions, it would require the District to identify approximately $35 million in cuts in the budget. These cuts would impact student programs and services, and require staff layoffs.

The District currently has a strong offer on the table. It includes a 4% salary increase over two school years, and a health benefit option that costs employees $0, with the District investing up to $30,000 annually per employee for those who choose family coverage. 

Our goal remains the same: to reach an agreement that supports our educators while also protecting the programs and opportunities our students rely on. We will continue working toward that outcome and will keep families informed. We are scheduled to meet with NTA leadership this evening.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support of Natomas Unified students and schools.

Natomas Unified School District

We know many families have questions about the ongoing situation involving negotiations between Natomas Unified School District and the Natomas Teachers’ Association (NTA).

To help provide clear and accurate information, we are sharing a short fact sheet outlining important points families should know about the current status of negotiations and the District’s financial realities.

This information is based on publicly available materials, including the independent fact-finding report required under California law. That report reviewed the District’s finances and the proposals being discussed during negotiations.

Our goal is to ensure families have access to credible information while we continue working toward a resolution that supports educators and protects the programs and opportunities our students rely on.

Thank you for your continued support of Natomas Unified students and schools.

NUSD Families,

We know that school drop-off likely looked different this morning for many of our families. We regret that it has come to this point and understand that today may feel unsettling for students and the community.

We want to emphasize something important: it is critical that everyone look to credible sources of information during this time. Last week, a neutral third-party fact-finding panel released a report. This is an independent panel who was tasked with examining the positions of the District and the Natomas Teachers’ Association (NTA) and determining what is reasonable within the District’s financial reality.

The fact-finding panel confirmed that the District’s offer is reasonable within the confines of our District budget. We encourage our community not to take the District’s word alone, but to read the report itself and review the independent findings. 

The report also confirms what the District has said throughout negotiations: accepting the demands put forward by NTA would require significant cuts to programs. That is not speculation. It is the financial reality facing our district.

Can the District afford these demands? No. 

The District has a mandated reserve, but to put that in perspective, the District’s 9% reserve would be fully spent in approximately 1.5 months just to meet payroll. This is not a viable solution to fund ongoing raises and enhanced benefit packages.  

Picketing will not change the fiscal realities facing our district today.

Unfortunately, we have seen this pattern play out in other California districts in recent months. In communities such as West Contra Costa Unified, San Francisco Unified, Oakland Unified, and Sacramento City Unified, agreements were reached only to be followed by cuts to programs that serve students. Those headlines have been difficult to watch because the consequences ultimately fall on classrooms and the students they serve.

We do not want that outcome for Natomas Unified.

Please know that the District values our teachers and educators deeply. They are the heart of our schools, and we are disappointed that ongoing discussions with NTA leadership have led to this disruption.

Throughout negotiations, the District has worked to present a strong offer to support educators while protecting students. Our proposal includes a 4% salary increase and a fully taxpayer-funded health benefit option valued at approximately $30,000 annually per employee.

At the same time, we must be clear about our responsibility to students. The District cannot agree to demands that would require significant cuts to the programs and opportunities our community has worked hard to build, including college and career readiness programs, athletics, student supports, and our International Baccalaureate program.

These programs were not created overnight. They represent years of effort by families, educators, and the community to provide meaningful opportunities for our students.

We are not willing to move backward.

The District has taken steps to ensure schools can continue providing safe supervision, access to meals, dedicated curriculum and the support services students rely on each day. 

For more information about negotiations and strike readiness, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the NUSD website. 

Thank you for your continued support of Natomas Unified students and schools.

As families prepare for the week ahead, we are providing an update about negotiations between NUSD and the Natomas Teachers’ Association (NTA) leadership.

First, a strong offer remains on the table. It includes a 4% salary increase and a 100% district-funded health plan option, costing the District and taxpayers approximately $30,250 annually per employee taking family coverage. This District contribution would also reduce current plan premiums and could increase take-home pay for some teachers by up to nearly $1,000 per month.

Second, the neutral fact-finding report released last week confirmed the District’s offer is aligned with what an independent panel determined is reasonable within the fiscal realities facing our district.

Earlier this morning, the District met again with NTA leadership to reach resolution. Our commitment has been clear: we are prepared to stay at the table until an agreement is reached. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, we do not yet have a resolution and the possibility of a strike remains.

At the same time, we want our community to understand what is at stake. 

Natomas Unified has grown into one of the most dynamic and diverse school districts in California because of years of hard work by families, educators and community members. Programs like athletics, student supports, college and career pathways, IB and specialized academic opportunities did not happen overnight. They were built over time through dedication and partnership. 

We will not move backward.

The District will not abandon its responsibility to protect the programs and opportunities that families and students have worked so hard to build. We will not allow the progress our community has made to be undone by decisions that ignore the fiscal realities facing our schools.

If more resources are needed for public education, and we believe they are, Natomas Unified stands ready to advocate alongside educators and labor partners in the halls of the State Capitol. We will always support efforts to secure stronger investment in K–12 education.

But political strategies will not change the financial math facing our district today. Our responsibility is to protect students and ensure the long-term stability of Natomas Unified.

However, because a strike and disruption remain possible, the District has taken steps to prepare and ensure we can continue supporting students. Our teams are working to ensure schools can provide:

• Safe adult supervision for students
• Continued access to meals
• Access to the resources and supports students rely on each day
• Dedicated curriculum 

We recognize that the absence of teachers from classrooms is not normal, and we regret the disruption this may cause. We know this situation may create challenges for families, and we ask for your patience as we work to maintain stability for students.

For more information about negotiations and strike readiness, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the NUSD website. 

Thank you for your continued support of Natomas Unified students and schools.

We are providing an update about negotiations between Natomas Unified School District and the Natomas Teachers’ Association (NTA) as families go into the weekend. 

As we shared last evening, the District has made a strong and substantial offer to the teachers union. That proposal includes a 4% salary increase, as well as significant health care benefits, including a 100% fully district-funded health plan option and additional choices that could provide teachers and their families with up to nearly $1,000 in monthly savings through lower premiums. Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits Survey shows only about 5% of workers at large companies have their entire individual premium paid by their employer.

Second, the neutral fact-finding report was released to the public today and confirms that the District’s offer is aligned with the independent fact-finder’s recommendation. This reinforces what the District has said throughout negotiations: we have stretched our resources to support educators while protecting students and maintaining fiscal stability.

Third, the District has been transparent about our financial reality. Accepting the current demands put forward by NTA would require significant cuts to core student programs, activities, and staffing, including programs that have taken years to build and that serve thousands of students across our district.

Because of these realities, the District believes a strike is avoidable.

A strike will not change the financial realities facing our district. What it will do is disrupt the educational experience of more than 16,000 students, along with their families, parents, and caregivers. When strike threats become part of the bargaining process, it is students who bear the consequences.

Our focus remains where it belongs: on protecting classrooms, preserving student programs, and reaching an agreement that is fair and sustainable.

While NTA leadership has indicated that a strike could begin Tuesday, March 10, the District continues preparing to support students and families if disruption occurs. We remain committed to resolving negotiations and urge union leadership to work with us to reach an agreement that serves our students, educators, and community.

We will be meeting with NTA leaders to continue discussions this weekend. We will provide an update on Sunday to ensure families have the latest information going into the week. 

The full fact finding report is available below.

March 5, 2026

In keeping with our commitment to share information, we are providing another update about our ongoing negotiations with the leadership of the Natomas Teachers Association (NTA).

Last evening, the District presented a formal offer to NTA leaders that represents a significant investment in our educators. That proposal includes a 4% salary increase and a substantial restructuring of health benefits. Under the District’s offer, certificated staff would have the option to enroll in a 100% fully district-funded health care plan, with the District covering the entire cost of coverage. This proposal would also impact all other current plan options by providing certificated staff and their families with thousands of dollars in annual savings through lower monthly premiums, increasing take-home pay while maintaining the same coverage employees already enjoy.

Over the course of negotiations, the District has worked diligently to respond in good faith while carefully evaluating what is sustainable for the long term. To reach this current proposal, the District identified budget reductions and ways to stretch available resources to provide a significant offer to NTA while protecting our students, classrooms and fiscal stability.

To be clear: the current proposals put forward by NTA would require the District to take significant and deeply concerning actions, including cuts to student programs, activities and staffing. 

District leaders will not abandon their responsibility to put students first. 

Preserving the programs that make Natomas Unified special and safeguarding the long-term stability of the District will always remain our highest priority. Natomas Unified has grown and evolved into one of the most dynamic and diverse school districts in California. Our students benefit from strong academic programs, athletics, career and college readiness opportunities, and specialized programs that reflect the unique needs of our community. These are achievements that this community has worked hard to build, and they are worth protecting.

The District cannot commit to ongoing financial obligations that exceed what our revenues can sustainably support. Across California, including in Oakland Unified, Sacramento City Unified, West Contra Costa Unified, and San Francisco Unified, Districts have reached labor agreements only to face significant layoffs and program cuts immediately afterward to address structural budget gap. No agreement changes our local fiscal reality.

We will not go down this path in Natomas.

The District values its teachers deeply and remains committed to reaching an agreement that supports educators while protecting students and the programs they rely on.

We cannot change the fiscal realities that govern local school districts, including NUSD, and we must continue to act responsibly within those realities.

While NTA leadership has said they may strike next week, the District believes this outcome is entirely avoidable.

When strike threats become a negotiating strategy, students pay the price.

We urge NTA leadership to consider what constitutes a strong and sustainable agreement for its members, for the community and the students we all serve. 

The District will continue to provide updates as negotiations progress.

We are providing an important update about our ongoing negotiations with the Natomas Teachers Association (NTA). Earlier this evening, NUSD presented a formal compensation offer, and we are now authorized to share additional information about that proposal. We have used the confidential mediation process over the last several months to share concepts that might bring us closer to agreement. 

The proposal presented tonight is substantial. It includes a 4% salary increase for teachers over this year and next, significant financial relief on health care costs, providing up to nearly $1,000 more per month in take-home pay for employees and their families on their current plan options, with one of NTA’s plans 100% covered at all levels.

Despite the District making this serious offer, NTA leaders walked away without providing a formal response, despite indicating just yesterday that they were committed to staying as long as it takes to come to an agreement. 

Throughout this process, the District has worked to stretch available resources as far as responsibly possible. That has required difficult choices and careful planning to balance two commitments that matter deeply to our community: supporting educators and maintaining the long-term financial stability of the District.

For more than a year now, the District has been clear that any agreement must be financially sustainable. Commitments that exceed ongoing revenue ultimately require reductions elsewhere in the budget. In districts across California, we are seeing the consequences of that imbalance play out with layoffs, staffing reductions, and cuts to student programs.

Our goal in Natomas is to avoid those outcomes.

We remain committed to reaching an agreement and to approach negotiations with the intention of finding common ground. At the same time, our responsibility is clear: to protect students, preserve the programs that make our district special, and ensure the long-term stability of Natomas Unified.

We remain hopeful that NTA will carefully consider this proposal as negotiations continue, and we look forward to finalizing a deal.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and community.

Natomas Unified School District (NUSD) remains committed to the negotiation process with the Natomas Teachers Association (NTA), which began in earnest more than a year ago. 

Today NUSD and NTA leaders met from approximately 9:00 am - 3:00 pm and tentatively agreed on the Special Education and Safety articles, finalizing several significant areas of importance to NUSD teachers. NUSD is pleased with recent progress.  We are returning for further negotiations tomorrow, Wednesday, March 4 in hopes of finalizing an agreement. 

We are awaiting the formal fact-finding report from an independent reviewer. 

NUSD remains committed to reaching a fiscally responsible, collaborative agreement with NTA leaders that prioritizes the well-being of the more than 16,000 students we serve.

For updates and additional information, we encourage you to visit NUSD’s Negotiations Updates webpage: Negotiations Updates - Natomas Unified School District.

For the first time in our district’s recent history, the Natomas Unified School District Board of Trustees approved a resolution detailing emergency action procedures in the event of a strike, refusal to work, or planned work stoppage by staff.  The resolution was adopted at a special board meeting held this morning. This was a critical step to prioritize student safety, coordinate reliable supervision across our campuses, and ensure the continuation of classroom instruction with as little disruption as possible. 

While we sincerely hope that NTA will not strike, we have a responsibility to our students, families, and staff to plan proactively and thoughtfully. Taking this action ensures we are prepared to meet our obligations and maintain stable, safe learning environments for every student we serve.

We will continue to keep families informed with updates on this webpage. 

Natomas Unified School District Remains Committed to Reaching Agreement with Natomas Teachers Association

Natomas Unified School District (NUSD) remains committed to the negotiation process this evening despite not being able to reach an agreement after the fact-finding hearing with Natomas Teachers Association (NTA) today. An independent reviewer heard proposals and examined financial data from both sides and is now preparing a report that provides recommendations on a potential path toward resolution for the parties to review. 

As NUSD awaits the formal evaluation and report, leaders reiterated that the door remains open for discussions. 

“We stand ready to return to the negotiating table at any time and are hopeful we can reach a fair and fiscally responsible agreement that reflects our shared commitment to the teachers and students of Natomas,” said Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo. 

NUSD remains committed to reaching a responsible, collaborative agreement with NTA, presenting proposals that would provide meaningful compensation, including additional healthcare benefits and support for teachers. The District also emphasized that its priority remains the well-being of the more than 16,000 students they serve.

District leaders have continued to reiterate their disappointment that CTA’s statewide strategy seems to be disrupting the collaborative, locally focused bargaining that has always been part of labor relations in Natomas, noting it is especially disappointing because District leaders have joined the call for more statewide funding for K-12 education. 

For updates and additional information, families are encouraged to visit Natomas Unified School District’s Negotiations Update webpage: Negotiations Update - Natomas Unified School District

NUSD Staff & Community,

We are sharing an update today in advance of a budget presentation at this week’s District Board meeting. 

Our priority as a District is to provide exceptional education and strong student support while maintaining a stable financial foundation for the future. 

Our students deserve high-quality academic programs, early literacy support, and social-emotional learning that helps every child thrive. Our educators and staff deserve a workplace that values their work, supports professional growth, and remains competitive in attracting and retaining talented employees.

Like many school districts across California, NUSD is facing rising costs and long-term financial pressures requiring careful planning. With the Governor’s May Revision approaching, state leaders are signaling a tougher fiscal outlook driven by lower-than-expected cost of living adjustments (COLA). That shift could translate into significant declines in education funding. This is a critical moment for school districts to prepare for a more challenging budget landscape. It’s our responsibility to align ongoing expenses with ongoing revenues to protect student learning and maintain stability over time. It’s one of the reasons why we have joined other leaders across the state to call on California policymakers to prioritize investments in K-12 education. (View District letter.)

Strong Fiscal Management and Responsible Planning
Under the leadership of Superintendent Castillo, the District has practiced strong fiscal management for years through rigorous operational review and ongoing efficiency improvements. This work has included evaluating when it is most advantageous to provide services in-house versus through outside vendors and making operational adjustments designed to protect classroom learning.

The District has also reduced spending in multiple areas, including administrative costs, eliminating multiple full-time district office administrative positions and reducing the reliance on outside consultants as part of ongoing efforts to manage resources responsibly. In addition, the District has worked to optimize site and facility costs by reviewing how programs and classes are structured across campuses and identifying opportunities to operate more efficiently.

Reserves Support Stability 
A key part of responsible fiscal management is maintaining committed and designated reserves that are aligned to long-term financial planning, such as future facility needs, and protecting the District from unexpected financial disruptions. These include emergencies, unforeseen expenses, and cash-flow challenges such as delayed state payments or deferrals.

The District is required to maintain a 9% reserve. To put this in perspective, our District’s reserve would be fully spent in approximately 1.5 months just to meet payroll. Protecting these reserves is essential to maintaining stability and avoiding major disruptions that could impact students and staff.

Prioritizing Classroom Investments While Making Difficult Decisions
Despite years of cost-saving measures and efficiency improvements, the District must now consider additional steps to ensure long-term sustainability. This may include reductions to certain programs, including some that are highly valued by our community, as the District evaluates how best to protect core academic programming and student services across the district.

These decisions are difficult and are never made lightly. The District’s focus remains on preserving the strongest possible educational experience for students while maintaining the financial stability required to continue delivering high-quality programming year after year.

Commitment to Staff and Continued Negotiations
NUSD recognizes that educators and staff are at the heart of student success. We remain committed to supporting teachers and continuing productive conversations focused on long-term stability for students, staff and the community.

NUSD and the Natomas Teachers’ Association (NTA) have been engaged in ongoing negotiations since February of last year, and the District remains committed to continuing this work in good faith.

Ongoing Updates
As budget planning continues, the District will provide additional information and updates as this work moves forward.

Natomas Unified School District 
 

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

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

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.