After more than a year without a contract, the Capistrano Unified Education Association has won a new three-year agreement.
The salary schedule will increase by 5.5 percent during the first two years. The increase for the third year will equal the state's cost-of-living adjustment.
The agreement also includes improvements to health benefits, says CUEA bargaining team member, Vicki Soderberg.
CUEA President Frank Weirath credits the successful conclusion of the protracted negotiations to the unity of CUEA members and community support. "Without the strong support of CUEA members, and the pressure put on the district by parents and the community, we would not have an agreement."