Chula Vista board approves partnership to recruit international teachers, with memorandum of understanding requirement

The Chula Vista Elementary School District board on a unanimous vote approved an agreement with International Alliance, a nonprofit that places credentialed international teachers in U.S. classrooms, while requiring a memorandum of understanding before any hires begin.

Board President Ugarte and members voted to approve the item after district and union representatives said they would not authorize hires until a signed memorandum of understanding addresses local conditions and protections. District staff described International Alliance as a long‑standing sponsor of exchange visas who screens candidates and helps arrange housing and visa paperwork.

Why it matters: The district cited difficulty filling some positions — specifically special education classrooms — as the reason for pursuing international recruitment. District staff told the board the program could provide a qualified teacher for up to five years and that host districts typically realize savings on retirement contributions because international hires are not eligible for certain local retirement benefits.

What the board heard: Angela Reed, a representative of classified employees, urged more investment in classified‑staff professional development earlier in the meeting, framing broader staffing needs that the district said the International Alliance agreement intends to help address. A representative of International Alliance told the board the program has operated under previous names for more than a decade and works in multiple states; the representative said candidates undergo background checks in their home countries and U.S. evaluations before placement.

Union and contract conditions: Board members and the district repeatedly said a memorandum of understanding with the teachers’ union would need to be approved before International Alliance candidates could be hired. The board was told the union will not sign until it is satisfied with the MOU; a board member said she wanted that MOU approved “before the hiring starts.”

Timing and visa process: District staff explained the placement process: International Alliance pre‑screens candidates, conducts virtual fairs and interviews, then the district offers employment; the visa and consular steps generally take about six to eight weeks, the representative said. The program uses the H‑1B or exchange sponsorship process (as described by the vendor), and the vendor provides assistance with relocation and initial housing where needed.

Board action and vote: The board approved the agreement on a unanimous voice vote. Board members present recorded their votes as “yes.”

What was not decided: No hires will occur until the district and the union finalize the stated memorandum of understanding. The board did not approve individual hire decisions during the meeting.