The settlement protects librarians and programs as budget uncertainties remain

CHULA VISTA – After nearly two dozen bargaining sessions and a year of negotiations, the Sweetwater Education Association (SEA) has reached a tentative agreement with the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD). The agreement protects students’ access to vital programs by returning librarians to their sites part-time and reinstating three of the district’s learning centers.

According to SEA President Julie Walker, the agreement was made possible because of the open dialog between SEA and SUHSD leadership.

I’m pleased our teams found a path to collaboration and compromise. We’ll need that spirit of compromise to face future challenges.

By turning the focus toward a student-centered approach, the longstanding impasse was resolved. The tentative agreement, which reduces the work year by three days, will be cost neutral and will allow valuable programs to continue.

SEA will remain vigilant and monitor district enrollment numbers as they work toward the return of teachers and services affected by the Reduction in Force notices given to over 200 members.