Stockton Unified board ratifies SPPA tentative agreement after community debate over SLP pay

The Stockton Unified School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to ratify a tentative agreement with the Stockton Pupil Personnel Association (SPPA) for the 2025–2028 contract cycle following public testimony and trustee discussion.

Multiple district employees urged trustees to consider equity concerns before voting. Sarah Waters, who identified herself as a district school psychologist, told the board that a January 2025 side letter created a separate salary schedule for speech–language pathologists (SLPs) that produced raises ranging from about 8% to 25% and a $10,000 bonus for that subgroup. "I just really, really am asking that you consider this pay schedule that was created before making your vote," Waters said.

SPPA representatives defended the tentative agreement. Jennifer Robles, SPPA vice chair, said the bargaining unit had taken a balanced approach across multiple professions and noted the TA was approved by 72% of voting members. "We respectfully ask for you to approve this tentative agreement," Robles said.

Trustees discussed the internal union disagreement and the district's presentation of the financial disclosures. Several trustees said they were persuaded both by the union membership vote and by assurances the district and SPPA would continue salary studies and negotiations for other professions. Trustee comments reflected a desire for ongoing efforts to address perceived inequities within SPPA.

The motion to approve was moved and seconded before a roll-call vote that produced unanimous approval. The board recorded the motion to ratify the TA and accepted the required public financial disclosure forms assessing the agreement's fiscal impact.

Next steps: The agreement takes effect per the terms presented by staff and requires district and union follow-up on implementation and any ongoing salary studies.