Gilroy Unified approves tentative paraeducator contract with 2.5% retroactive raise

The Gilroy Unified School District Board of Education approved a tentative collective‑bargaining agreement with the Gilroy Federation of Paraeducators for the 2024–2027 contract years, the board heard on March 20.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Alvaro Mesa presented the AB 1200 financial disclosure required before the board may ratify a contract. Mesa said the agreement mirrors earlier classified‑staff increases: a 2.5% salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2024 and adjustments to the district’s medical coverage cap effective Jan. 1, 2025. Mesa reported the fiscal‑year impact for 2024–25 as approximately $318,249 (salary ~$269,600; the half‑year portion of health‑coverage cost increases ~$4,986; other local impacts made up the remainder).

Assistant Superintendent Paul Winslow introduced the approval item and asked the board to move the tentative agreement forward so bargaining for 2025–26 can begin in April. A voice‑vote motion to approve passed without recorded no votes. Board members thanked paraeducator representatives for their work.

No final ratification language was provided on the record beyond the board’s motion to approve the tentative agreement. The board’s packet included the AB 1200 disclosure forms for public review, as required by state law before entering into a written collective‑bargaining instrument.

Next steps: the district will proceed with ratification procedures in accordance with board policy and follow state notice requirements; staff indicated negotiations for the 2025–26 fiscal year will begin in April.