The Fremont teachers' union is contemplating a strike due to dissatisfaction with benefits and large classroom sizes. A fact-finding session is scheduled, marking a potential final chance to avert the walkout. Union leaders highlight the need for reduced classroom sizes, improved healthcare contributions, and better compensation. With healthcare costs increasing, it becomes challenging to retain teachers in a district that serves over 30,000 students. A three-year contract is under negotiation since its expiring in June 2024, amidst financial constraints facing the district, as stated by Superintendent Zack Larsen.
Since 1997, Fremont teachers have paid their own way for medical and dental expenses, according to the district. Currently, Fremont teachers can make a yearly salary of $83,000 to $144,000, based on experience, with the highest salary requiring 29 years of teaching.
Union leaders say the officials must reduce classroom sizes and provide healthcare contributions and better overall compensation to help retain educators in the district with over 30,000 students.
When healthcare costs are just rising every year, it's getting harder and harder to keep our teachers in Fremont, union president Victoria Chon said in an interview. They're forced to leave because they can't sustain being an employee here anymore.
Fremont Unified Superintendent Zack Larsen said in a statement that the district values our educators. However, like most districts throughout the state, the financial realities we face present significant challenges.
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