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NTA says 98% authorized strike; union urges board to reprioritize reserves
Summary
A Natomas Teachers Association representative told the board members authorized a strike by over 98%, citing staff vacancies, under-resourced special education and rising central-office spending; the board and superintendent said they remain committed to bargaining and stressed district fiscal constraints.
A representative of the Natomas Teachers Association told the board that members "for the 1st time in this district's history Natomas Teachers Association members have authorized a strike by over 98%." The speaker described longstanding vacancies, overcrowded classrooms and what they called inadequate special-education supports and urged the board to direct the superintendent to bargain in good faith.
The union representative accused the district of prioritizing central-office spending and holding millions in restricted funds, saying reserves and interfund transfers have left classroom needs unmet. "Over the past 5 years, your reserves have increased by over $20,000,000 to 22%," the speaker said, and argued the district should spend down reserves to fund classrooms rather than projects they characterized as nonessential.
Superintendent Castillo responded in the superintendent's report that the district remains committed to negotiation and stressed fiscal limits. The superintendent noted that the district is required to maintain a reserve, saying "The district is required to maintain a 9% reserve," and emphasized the district's priority is protecting student programs while seeking a sustainable agreement.
The board did not take formal action on the labor announcement at the meeting; trustees and district staff said they expect fact-finding and continued bargaining next week. The board was reminded of the scheduled fact-finding hearing on February 20 and that both parties said they remain open to serious proposals at the bargaining table.
