Sweetwater Union High board approves multiple labor agreements and salary schedules, citing budget conditions

The Sweetwater Union High School District Board of Trustees on Jan. 16 approved a series of collective-bargaining agreements and accompanying salary schedules and pay-rate changes, all by 5–0 roll-call votes.

The board approved C1, a comprehensive reopener agreement that ends the 2024–25 contract between the district and the Sweetwater Education Association (SEA). Trustees then approved C2, agreements with the district’s classified-union representatives referenced in the meeting as the National Association of Government Employees (as stated) and chapters of the California School Employees Association (CSEA), addressing wages and related contract articles.

General Counsel Carabuccia told the board the agreements were the product of a large team effort and cautioned about the district’s finances. “We have a structural deficit of over $50,000,000 already without a raise,” Carabuccia said, adding that the agreements include explicit conditions that raises be funded through one-time funding solutions and ongoing budget cuts. She also said the administration limited retroactive-pay periods to reduce the workload on the payroll team.

The superintendent (name not stated) praised the bargaining teams and described the agreements as an example of compromise that benefits students and staff. A board member thanked the associations for ratifying before Jan. 1 but warned that the district will need to “understand that it will come at a cost of some positions being cut because of funding cuts,” reflecting concerns about how to pay for the increases.

The board also approved C3 and C4, the salary schedules for the 2025–26 fiscal year in accordance with bargaining agreements and the disclosure requirements for CalSTRS and CalPERS, effective Jan. 1, 2026. C5, which establishes a daily pay rate for certificated substitutes effective Jan. 1, 2026, was also approved.

During the meeting the board announced it had met in closed session on existing litigation under Government Code §54956.9; the board reported no reportable action.

Votes at a glance - C1: Approve and ratify SEA reopener agreement ending the 2024–25 contract — Passed 5–0. - C2: Approve and ratify agreements with the classified unions (as stated) and CSEA chapters on wages — Passed 5–0. - C3: Approve 2025–26 salary schedules (CalSTRS disclosure) effective 01/01/2026 — Passed 5–0. - C4: Approve 2025–26 salary schedules (CalPERS disclosure) effective 01/01/2026 — Passed 5–0. - C5: Approve daily rate for certificated substitutes effective 01/01/2026 — Passed 5–0.

What’s next The general counsel said an administrators’ bargaining agreement has been reached and will be presented at a regularly scheduled board meeting for approval. The administration noted that processing some pay adjustments will require coordination with the San Diego County Office of Education.