A major labor dispute is reaching a boiling point in the Twin Rivers Unified School District, which serves students in Rio Linda and Elverta. Local teachers have officially voted to go on strike starting March 5th. This move is part of a larger plan by teacher unions across California to demand better pay and more support for students.
Why Teachers are Planning to Walk Out
The teachers in Rio Linda and Elverta say they are struggling to keep up with the high cost of living in California. While they work in one of the wealthiest states, many say their paychecks do not cover basic needs like housing and healthcare.
The main goals for the Twin Rivers teachers include:
- Lower Class Sizes: Teachers want fewer students in each room so they can give more individual attention to every child.
- Affordable Healthcare: Currently, many teachers pay over $20,000 a year for family health insurance. They want the district to cover these costs, just as it does for the Superintendent.
- Fair Wages: The union claims that local teachers earn about $10,000 less per year than teachers in nearby districts.
- Better Staffing: They are asking for more permanent staff instead of relying on outside contractors to fill roles in schools.
Teachers argue that the district has the money to fix these problems. They point to nearly $173 million held in reserve funds and claim that money meant for “classroom teacher salaries” has been moved to other areas over the last six years.
The School District’s Financial Concerns
On the other side of the issue, school district leaders and some budget experts warn that the money situation is more complicated than it looks. They argue that giving large raises could lead to serious financial trouble in the future.
The districts are facing several challenges:
- Fewer Students: School funding is based on how many students attend class each day. Since fewer families are enrolling in local schools, the district receives less money from the state.
- Ending COVID-19 Funds: During the pandemic, schools received billions of dollars in one-time grants. That money has now run out, making it hard to pay for staff or raises that were started during the pandemic.
- Future Cuts: Experts warn that if the district agrees to all the union’s demands, they might have to cut “extras” like sports, music, or advanced classes. They might even have to lay off newer teachers or classroom aides.
How This Affects Students and Families
A strike is a difficult time for everyone in the community. For parents in Rio Linda and Elverta, a walkout means finding childcare or dealing with disrupted learning schedules.
Some critics of the strike believe that using school closures as a bargaining tool hurts the most vulnerable students. They argue that low-income families rely on schools not just for education, but for meals and a safe place for children to be during the day.
However, supporters of the strike believe that a short-term disruption is worth it. They argue that if teachers are treated better, the schools will be stronger in the long run, leading to a better education for every student in the district.
What Happens Next?
The strike is set to begin on March 5th unless both sides can reach an agreement before then. Parents are encouraged to check the school district’s website for updates on school closures or changes to bus schedules.
As the March 5th strike date approaches, families in the northern part of the district are facing unique challenges. Unlike the more urban parts of North Sacramento, our local schools in Rio Linda and Elverta often serve as the primary hubs for student meals and childcare.
Key Dates to Watch
- March 2: The official “Fact-Finding” report is released to the public. This is the final legal hurdle before a strike.
- March 3: Expect a final “Go/No-Go” communication from the District and the Union (TRUE).
- March 5: Strike begins (unless a deal is reached in the final 48 hours).
Schools Most Impacted in Our Area
While the strike affects the entire district, the following local campuses are the primary concern for Rio Linda and Elverta residents:
- High Schools: Rio Linda High School
- Middle Schools: Rio Linda Preparatory Academy
- Elementary Schools: Rio Linda Elementary, Dry Creek Elementary, Orchard Elementary, Westside Elementary, and Village Elementary (Elverta).
School Status: “Doors Open, but Different”
TRUSD Superintendent Steve Martinez has stated that the district’s current plan is to keep all schools open. However, the “classroom experience” will look significantly different:
- Substitute Teachers: The district is currently recruiting substitutes at emergency rates of $600 per day to supervise students.
- Large Group Instruction: In some cases, students may be gathered in gymnasiums or cafeterias for supervised study rather than traditional lessons.
- Attendance: Union leaders have specifically asked parents to keep children home if possible. Because state funding is tied to “Average Daily Attendance” (ADA), low turnout puts direct financial pressure on the district to settle the contract.
Local Childcare & Support Resources
With 90% of TRUSD students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, a work stoppage creates an immediate crisis for local families.
School Meals – The district has indicated they intend to continue meal service (breakfast and lunch) even during a strike, though service times or locations may be consolidated. Check the TRUSD website on March 3rd for the final meal plan.
Childcare – Rio Linda Parks & Recreation and local community centers are often the first to offer “Strike Camps” or extended daycare. It is recommended to call the Rio Linda Elverta Community Center to check for emergency availability as it becomes necessary. Rio Linda Online will monitor this issue closely.
Picket Line Etiquette – Union President Brittoni Ward noted that while they urge parents to support the strike, they “respect families’ decisions” if they must send children to school for safety or work reasons.
