Mount Diablo Educators Demand Fair Contracts and Smaller Class Sizes Amidst Budget Concerns

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District Board meeting held on August 27, 2025, focused heavily on class size recommendations and the ongoing contract negotiations between the district and the Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA). The meeting featured numerous educators voicing their concerns regarding working conditions, class sizes, and the need for fair compensation.

The session began with a representative from Medea Union advocating for reduced class sizes, emphasizing that the current recommendation to decrease class sizes by just one student is insufficient for the success and survival of students. The speaker urged the board to negotiate more substantial reductions in class sizes to better support student learning.

Following this, Ian Meslin from El Dorado Middle School presented a statement on behalf of teachers, highlighting the challenges faced by educators in supporting a diverse student body, including newcomers and those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Meslin called for a fair contract that adequately compensates teachers and provides the necessary resources to improve student outcomes.

Ivan Arana, a veteran educator, shared insights from his military background, stressing the importance of investing in teachers to ensure quality education. He argued that adequate resources are essential for attracting and retaining qualified educators, which ultimately benefits students.

Eric Clifton, a long-serving teacher, passionately recounted the success stories of his former students, advocating for a fair contract that reflects the value of educators' contributions. He pointed out the district's substantial reserve funds and called for their allocation towards improving class sizes and teacher compensation.

Several speakers echoed Clifton's sentiments, emphasizing the need for smaller class sizes and better support for special education teachers, counselors, and other staff. They expressed frustration over the district's failure to address these issues adequately, particularly in light of the significant budget reserves.

Julia Jamieson, co-chair of the MDEA bargaining team, criticized the district for rejecting proposals aimed at ensuring a respectful working environment free from harassment and intimidation. She urged the board to reconsider their stance on these critical issues.

The meeting concluded with a call for the district to prioritize the needs of educators and students over external expenditures, such as hiring outside legal and public relations firms. Educators stressed that the district's budget should reflect a commitment to improving classroom conditions and supporting the staff who directly impact student learning.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the urgent need for the district to engage in meaningful negotiations with educators to address class sizes, compensation, and working conditions, ensuring a supportive environment for both teachers and students.