Dear Educators,
We are pleased to share that our tentative agreement has been ratified. The majority (91%) voted to ratify our collective bargaining agreement with the School Board of Orange County. This means retro pay will appear in your November 26th paycheck.
This is an important step forward for our members, though we recognize that not everyone agreed on every element of this agreement. We respect all voices in this process and appreciate the thoughtful engagement and dialogue that took place throughout bargaining and ratification.
In a year when the state allocated funding sufficient for only a 0.67% raise, your CTA bargaining team successfully negotiated with the District to secure an additional $38 million in local funds, allowing us to secure a 4.01% recurring/permanent raise for Highly Effective teachers. Over the past three years, we’ve now achieved about 16% in recurring/permanent raises for Highly Effective teachers. These percentage-based raises, which have been a long-term priority, are helping to gradually reduce salary compression and bring greater fairness to our pay structure.
In addition to salary improvements, we’re proud to have won several top priorities identified by educators in our bargaining survey:
- Reassignment of student due to an unfounded claim (false claims)
- 12-month deferred payment option
- This will be available beginning with the 2026-2027 school year
- Reduced the number of required days to receive sick leave donation from 10 to 4
- 30-minute lunch guaranteed (25 on Wednesdays for elementary)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) language that protects educator liability
- No meetings (including PD) after student contact time on the last Wednesday of the school year for students
- Select Supplements
Thank you to our bargaining team for the countless hours they’ve volunteered to secure this agreement, and our expanded bargaining committee (we invited each school to have a representative on the bargaining committee this past year). Their insight, feedback, and communication with worksites have been invaluable.
Looking Ahead: Bargaining for 2026–2027 Begins
As we close one chapter, we’re already looking ahead. Bargaining for the 2026–2027 school year is just beginning, and your involvement is more important than ever.
We’re continuing our work to increase funding for salaries through every avenue available, advocating for expanded use of the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) to include public education and exploring whether other funds can be used more equitably to support educators. These conversations are critical to securing long-term, sustainable improvements in pay. Click HERE to view CTA President Clinton McCracken’s speech at the Orange County Legislative Delegation public meeting this Tuesday, urging lawmakers to prioritize public education.
Bargaining Suggestion Form Open
CTA keeps a bargaining suggestion form open year-round for members of the bargaining unit to share their ideas and concerns. The deadline to submit suggestions for the 2026–2027 negotiations is December 20. The review process will begin after winter break. Any submissions received after that date will be considered for the 2027–2028 negotiations.
Click HERE to submit a bargaining suggestion.
Look for more information in the coming days about how you can get involved in the bargaining process. Member input is essential not just during ratification, but throughout every stage of negotiations. Bargaining relies on the voices, experiences, and active engagement of our members. By staying informed and involved, you help shape the outcomes that impact all of us. Together, we make progress possible.
One of the most powerful tools we have at the bargaining table is our membership strength. This year alone, more than 500 new educators have joined our union thanks to members like you encouraging colleagues to stand with us. Every new member adds strength to our collective voice and builds the power we need to win.
Smart, strategic, and united action is making a difference. There is still work to be done, but we will meet every challenge as always, stronger together.
In solidarity,
Orange CTA
Not a member? Join today at joinmyunion.com!
