SRTA Days of Action: Fact Finding

On Tuesday and Wednesday September 5th and 6th SRTA and SRCS made their presentations to the three person Fact Finding panel. One of the three panel members was appointed by SRTA, one by SRCS, and the third was mutually agreed upon. If SRTA and SRCS are not able to come to an agreement that can be presented to SRTA membership then the Fact Finding panel will write a non-binding report that can be expected in approximately six weeks.

SRTA's presentation was made by the SRTA Negotiating Team led by SRTA Chief Negotiator Kathryn Howell and supported by SRTA President Will Lyon, SRTA Vice-president Tawni Johnson, and Mark Mitchell from the California Teachers Association (CTA), as well as the Negotiation Team: Dan Swedenborg, Danita Haynes, Ginger Matich, Maddie Doyle, and George Peterson.

SRTA began its presentation with an opening statement by our Chief Negotiator Kathryn Howell (see below).

SRCS's presentation was made by a lawyer representing the district office. At least one other lawyer represented the district along with District staff. One legal firm was hired at a rate of $230/hr. (source, Board Agenda 6/28/17, item E-5, in the attached contracts list item 3,4 business services.) This has cost the school district an undisclosed amount over the course of negotiations. Tuesday alone this cost the district $3,910 for ONE of their attorneys ($230/hr for 17 hours of negotiations).

On Tuesday, in support our negotiating team more than 70 SRTA teachers and community members picketed in front of Santa Rosa High School to raise awareness in the community. At approximately 4pm the demonstrators marched to the District Office to make our voices heard and to support our negotiating team.

See photos and videos below the statement.

SRTA Opening Statement to the Panel

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SRTA Members Working Hard for a Better Contract