Message from Superintendent Almendarez

October 4, 2024

Dear Staff and Community,

I am writing to keep you informed about our upcoming mediation session scheduled for Wednesday, October 9th. This will be our fifth mediation meeting, and we are pleased to have John Gray from School Services of California joining us. John Gray is a well-respected expert in school finance with extensive experience in helping districts navigate complex budget challenges. He will assist in analyzing our current budget and the financial state of the district. Both the District and SAEA remain committed to working toward a resolution, and we are hopeful that progress will be made. 

While we continue to work toward a resolution, you may have recently received information regarding a change in benefits from our Benefits Department. This change aligns with the SAEA Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article 15.3.5.B. This article outlines the modifications to benefits if the District and SAEA do not reach an agreement by November 1st. Both parties acknowledged during the last mediation session (September 18), that implementation of this article is mandated by the mutually agreed to terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  

We are committed to working with SAEA to ensure that our certificated staff receive competitive compensation. Over the past 14 years, SAUSD and SAEA have worked together to  provide the highest cumulative certificated salary increase  amongst Districts in Orange County, amounting to 36.75% prior to the 2023-2024 school year. With the district’s proposed 3% increase for 2023-2024, this cumulative total would rise to 39.75%, maintaining our position as the highest in the county over the past 15 years. This demonstrates SAUSD’s ongoing dedication to offering competitive compensation in comparison to other districts in the county.

Your ongoing support, both from our dedicated staff and the community, is greatly appreciated as we navigate these important discussions. We deeply value our staff and recognize the critical role they play in fostering student success. It is our goal to work together to find solutions that not only support our educators but also ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.

Sincerely,

Jerry Almendarez
Superintendent