Dear Educators,
Thank you for your attention and involvement with the bargaining process! Your engagement and effort helps your union to drive the District toward decisions that benefit our educators and our students.
Unfounded Claims
We did it! One of the top priorities you shared in our bargaining survey was addressing false claims made against teachers. Thanks to the stories and input you provided and the powerful show of solidarity from members at the bargaining table—we’ve secured a big win.
We’re proud to announce that we’ve signed Tentative Agreement #3, which adds protections for teachers into our contract (pending ratification). These new rights ensure educators are supported and treated fairly if a student or parent makes an unfounded claim.
This victory didn’t happen by accident—it happened because you spoke up, stood together, and made your voices heard.
School Climate (Survey)
CTA and the District engaged in a frank discussion about offering a joint school climate survey to identify “Climate Intervention Schools” and work collaboratively to improve challenging worksites. While the District has rejected this proposal, CTA remains committed to tracking and improving school climate through an independent survey.
We believe every employee deserves a meaningful voice in shaping a positive, respectful, and supportive work environment. This could have been an opportunity to work together to address serious concerns—but if the District won’t lead on this, we will.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The parties continued to discuss issues related to AI for students and educators, but no further decisions were reached. The district has rejected the proposal.
Further Discussions
After today’s bargaining session, both sides met in a work group to discuss details of pending items from CTA’s Duty Day proposal. One focus of today’s conversation was increasing lunch time from 25 to 30 minutes. We will continue exploring how the District might implement this change, particularly at the elementary level.
Our next bargaining session is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, at 10:00 AM at the CTA Office. That day will also include a CTA/District work group to continue engaging on Duty Day proposals.
A huge thank you to every member who came out to RBELC to stand up for better working conditions—for yourselves and for your colleagues.
In Unity,
Clinton McCracken
OCCTA President
