Dear High Tech High Families,
We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to share the latest developments in our ongoing negotiations regarding teacher compensation. On January 11, 2024, HTH met with the union to continue our bargaining regarding teachers’ wages. HTH passed a multi-year proposal that included an increase for 2023-24 and an increase for 2024-25. Until now, the parties had only been bargaining an increase for 2023-24. HTH proposed a multi-year agreement to move bargaining along and provide certainty for our teachers next year.
To address our shared concern for the retention of experienced teachers, HTH passed proposals that provided a higher increase for teachers with 6-20 years of experience, while also providing a substantial increase for all other certificated staff. These proposals were rejected by the teachers’ union in favor of an across-the-board salary increase.
Our most recent proposal consists of a 5% increase in teacher salaries for this fiscal year, and a 1% increase next fiscal year. This is on top of maintaining teachers’ annual step increases, which provides for an additional annual increase. HTH also has committed to covering the increased cost of benefits for this year.
State Projects $11.3 Billion Less in Education Funding
HTH’s proposed wage increase of 1% for 2024-25 is higher than the projected Cost-of-Living Adjustment Governor Gavin Newsom proposed in his education budget for fiscal year 2024–25, which reflects an $11.3 billion projected drop in state revenue for education. We will continue to closely monitor budget deliberations while urging the state to continue to prioritize investment in our most precious resource, our students.
What’s Ahead
Against this backdrop, HTH remains committed to recognizing and rewarding the dedication and experience of our teachers in thought and action. We are dedicated to our pledge to maintain smaller class sizes, which are a key feature of our schools when compared to neighboring school systems. Our focus remains steadfast in thoughtfully addressing the diverse needs and experiences of our teaching staff while maintaining the financial stability of our network of 16 schools.
The next confirmed bargaining session date is January 23, 2024. A collaborative spirit is crucial as we work towards a resolution that balances our financial sustainability with the rightful acknowledgment of our teachers’ hard work and commitment.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Warm regards,
Board Chair Gary E. Jacobs
Interim Chief Executive Officer Dr. Diana Cornejo-Sanchez
