SAN DIEGO- Southwest Teachers Association (SWTA), parents and community members are rallying in Chula Vista during today’s mediation session to encourage a settlement to the longstanding negotiations stalemate with the South Bay Union Elementary School District (SBUSD), now in its second year. 

Teachers want the district to include the reduction of special education class sizes and need for instructional planning time for teachers throughout the year. Creating teacher driven collaboration programs to improve student instruction also remains an issue. 

SWTA President Lorie Garcia explained, “We chose to address these issues in negotiations because we know as education professionals that these programs make a difference for our students and help them to succeed not only in the classrooms of today, but in their future lives as well.”

After mediation, SWTA and SBUSD may settle their contract dispute or submit the matter to a state-appointed fact-finder to assist in reaching a settlement. After fact-finding, the district may impose its last, best and final offer and teachers will continue to partner with parents on job actions that could include a general teacher strike.