Teachers vs. District: Do They or Don’t They Have an Agreement?

On October 22, Valley of the Moon Teachers Association (VMTA) sent out a press release announcing that an “historic agreement” had been reached on October 1 between the teachers and the administration of Sonoma Valley Unified School District.  VMTA had sent out the agreement to all members, who voted overwhelmingly to ratify it. VMTA represents 97% of local teachers.

Contacted for a comment, Superintendent Jeanette Rodríguez-Chien stated on October 27, ” SVUSD and VMTA are still in mediation and a tentative agreement has not been finalized yet. We are working through this process. As soon as I can give you more details, I will let you know. Our hope is to come to a collaborative agreement very soon.”

Co-President of the union Dennis Housman responded to the Sun, “It makes no sense, as I have a signed tentative agreement. I guarantee when everyone left the evening of October 1st,  they all left thinking a tentative agreement was signed and mediation was over.”

At 10:50 AM today, October 29, the District sent out the announcement of a Special Board Meeting that will be held on Thursday, October 31st at 12:30 pm.

The attached board packet included the agenda. After public comment, it is a Closed Session meeting, but the Public Comment item specifically allows comment on the closed session topic.

1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code, § 54957.6, subd. (a)) Agency designated representatives: Rena Seifts, Associate Superintendent, Business Services Employee organization:Valley of the Moon Teachers’ Association CTA/NEA
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code, § 54957.6, subd. (a)) Agency designated representatives: Rena Seifts, Associate Superintendent, Business Services Employee organization: California School Employees’ Association, Chapter 376

That there are still unresolved issues is reflected in the anticipated adjournment time of 3:30.