SACRAMENTO, CA – Representatives from the Twin Rivers Unified School District (TRUSD) and the Twin Rivers United Educators (TRUE) are scheduled to return to the bargaining table today at 3:00 PM. The meeting will take place at the district office following high-profile requests for renewed dialogue from Assemblymember Maggy Krell and local parent groups.
The move toward negotiations follows a series of rallies held yesterday by educators and parents at various locations throughout the district.
Context of the Dispute
Twin Rivers educators began their strike on Thursday, March 5th. The labor action centers on several key points of contention:
- Staffing Levels: Union representatives have highlighted a significant staffing shortage, noting 100 educator vacancies at the beginning of the school year, with approximately 80 positions still unfilled as of March.
- Budget Allocation: A primary point of dispute involves state-mandated spending requirements. The union alleges that TRUSD has not met the legal obligation to allocate at least 55% of its budget toward classroom instruction.
- Classroom Investment: Educators have voiced concerns regarding what they characterize as a “divestment” from student resources and classroom support.
Statements from Leadership
As both sides prepare to meet, the focus remains on reaching an agreement that allows students to return to their normal schedules.
“Our team is ready to get back to the table and negotiate an agreement that fully funds our classrooms,” said TRUE President Brittoni Ward. “We appreciate Assemblymember Krell and our parent communities standing with us to get TRUSD back to negotiations. We know our students deserve to get back to their classrooms and we are anxious to be there with them.”
While the district has expressed a desire to resolve the strike, the specific terms regarding salary, benefits, and budget oversight remain the subject of today’s talks.
