Solana Beach teachers, staff receive salary increases

Solana Beach School District teachers and staff will receive an increase in compensation as the board approved the collective bargaining agreements with its two unions, the Solana Beach Teachers Association and Solana Beach Association of Support Professionals.

With the new two-year agreement ratified at the board’s April 18 meeting, Solana Beach employees will see a 6% salary boost retroactive to July 1, 2023 and a 3.5% increase that will take effect on July 1, 2024.

“We have all been subject to a long stretch of inflation and this increase in part reflects our organization’s understanding of this reality for our staff,” said Michael Reed, the district’s assistant superintendent of personnel services.

In September, the board approved a 5% salary increase for the district’s unrepresented employee groups (which includes management and supervisory employees). These employees are not represented by a labor group, however, on April 18, the board additionally approved amending their salaries to match the increases offered to certificated and classified staff.

“We’ve reached mutually beneficial agreements on salary and work conditions with our valued union partners,” said SBSD President Debra Schade, reading a statement on behalf of the board. “These agreements reflect our shared commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our dedicated educators while insuring the continued delivery of high quality education for our students.”

Schade, as well as Superintendent Jennifer Burks, shared their gratitude to the union partners for a productive and professional negotiations process: “Together we are laying the foundation for a positive learning environment for all,” Schade said.

Per the terms of the agreement, if the final property tax assessments for the 2024-15 fiscal year achieve a growth increase of 4.5% or greater, an additional .5% will be added to the current salary schedule.

According to the public disclosure of the agreement, the district is able to meet its financial obligations and the increases will not impact programs or necessitate budget reductions.