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Novato teachers urge board to reject 0% salary proposal, call for classroom‑first cuts
Summary
Multiple teachers told the Novato Unified board that a proposed 0% salary increase amounts to a pay cut amid rising costs and urged trustees to prioritize certificated raises over district‑office spending. Public commenters asked the board to press district leadership during negotiations and protect classroom resources.
Dozens of teachers and school staff told the Novato Unified School District Board of Trustees that a proposed 0% salary increase represents a real pay cut and risks losing experienced educators.
"A 0% raise is a pay cut," Becky Bridal, a teacher at Olive, told the board during public comment, urging trustees to protect classroom resources before district office expenditures. Tim Bloch, a San Marin STEM teacher, asked the board to press district negotiators in closed session, saying: "please challenge Josh when you go into closed session," and warning that conservative fiscal choices will force teachers to choose between staying or leaving the district.
Speakers repeatedly contrasted the district's offer with inflation and the district's own COLA. "At a time when inflation is almost 4%, ... asking teachers to accept a 0% raise is not simply disappointing, it's insulting," one commenter said, arguing that teachers routinely pay out of pocket for supplies and that the classroom should be protected first. Union president Mariah Fisher—speaking in her final public comment in that role—called the 0% offer "really hard to process" and urged the board to reconsider priorities.
Board members acknowledged the comments and noted those concerns will factor into upcoming budget discussions and bargaining. No formal board action on compensation was taken at the meeting; public commenters said they expect follow‑up from staff and the board during negotiations.
