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North Wasco SD 21 board ratifies two collective bargaining agreements
Summary
The board unanimously ratified collective bargaining agreements with North Wasco Education Support Professionals and the D21 Education Association for 2025–26 and 2026–27; leaders from both bargaining units thanked negotiators and noted substitute shortages affecting staff workload.
The North Wasco County School District 21 Board of Directors voted Jan. 22 to ratify two collective bargaining agreements covering the 2025–26 and 2026–27 school years.
Director Kelley moved to ratify the North Wasco Education Support Professionals agreement; Director Jones seconded and the motion "passed," with the board recording unanimous "aye" votes. Later, Director Aparicio moved to ratify the D21 Education Association agreement; Director Kelley seconded and that motion also passed unanimously. Both ratifications were presented as formal action items on the meeting agenda.
Union leaders expressed appreciation for the negotiated agreements. D21 Education Association Vice President Abby Cyphers said members "voted to ratify the negotiated contract," noting the vote reflected members' desire to move forward amid ongoing staffing challenges. NW Education Support Professionals President Sonia Schatz told the board her bargaining team had worked for a full year and that members felt heard during the process.
The board packet and the meeting included discussion of staffing pressures: both bargaining-unit speakers cited a continuing substitute shortage that contributes to burnout among licensed and classified staff. Superintendent Dr. Carolyn Bernal also noted district concerns about substitute availability and the impact of seasonal illness on staffing.
The ratifications conclude separate bargaining processes and permit contract implementation for the next two school years. The board did not attach additional fiscal detail to the motions during the meeting; financial statements and the district audit were presented separately by the CFO.
