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District and unions present initial bargaining proposals; board OKs district certificated proposal
Summary
Visalia Unified and its employee unions presented initial proposals for 2025 contract negotiations. The district and both unions outlined articles they intend to open; the board approved the district's certificated initial proposal and acknowledged the teachers association submission.
Visalia Unified staff and employee union leaders presented their initial bargaining proposals in accordance with state law, and the board took an action to accept the district’s certificated proposal.
Nut graf: The district and both major employee organizations — the Visalia Unified Teachers Association (VUTA) and California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 83 — presented “sunshine” proposals for upcoming negotiations. The board approved the district’s certificated initial proposal and acknowledged receipt of the teachers’ proposal; CSEA presented its classified proposal during the meeting.
What was presented: - District: Assistant Superintendent Ben Dillon reviewed the district’s initial interests for certificated negotiations (Government Code notice requirements were cited). The district said it intends to open article 6 (transfers and reassignments) and indicated mutual interest in reopening articles on class size, salaries, employee benefits and special education. The board approved the district’s certificated initial proposal by vote (motion passed 7–0). - CSEA Chapter 83: Chelsea Chavez Gonzalez (CSEA) introduced expanded chapter leadership and the union’s chief negotiator, Andrew Sanchez. CSEA’s initial proposal identified items it intends to open, including promotions, employee benefits, salary schedule adjustments, and leaves (bereavement and jury duty language). CSEA said it reserves the right to add proposals during bargaining. - VUTA: Patrick Hemphill, president of the Visalia Unified Teachers Association, presented VUTA’s initial proposals and said the union intends to open articles on hours of employment, leaves and mutually reopen class size, salaries, employee benefits and special education. VUTA noted bargaining priorities including counselors, the new elementary schedule and working conditions; the board acknowledged receipt of VUTA’s proposal by motion (passed 7–0).
Next steps: Both unions and district negotiators will begin interest‑based bargaining and report progress to the board. Dillon said the district will negotiate in good faith and engage in collaborative, objective bargaining.
Ending: The meeting record shows the public presentation of bargaining proposals and board action to approve/acknowledge the district and teachers’ initial documents; negotiations will proceed in the coming weeks.
