Vaccaro said the union is seeking smaller class sizes, better working conditions, fully paid health benefits and higher pay.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Natomas teachers are preparing to strike if a new contract is not reached with the district, after the Natomas Teachers Association said 98% of its members approved a strike authorization.
Union leaders say they are pushing for smaller class sizes, better student services, and more competitive pay to keep teachers from leaving the district. The superintendent says those demands do not match the district’s financial reality and could lead to cuts that affect students.
For Natomas Unified teachers, the push comes after rallies and growing frustration during negotiations.
Nico Vaccaro, president of the Natomas Teachers Association, said negotiations over the past year have led to a breaking point.
“We are serious about having our demands met,” said Vaccaro. “This is a culmination of years of people quite frankly being fed up with their working conditions and having to struggle to make ends meet.”
Vaccaro said aside from seeking smaller class sizes and better working conditions, the union is seeking fully paid health benefits and higher pay. State Department of Education 2024-25 data shows the average Natomas teacher salary is near $90,931, below the state average of $103,552 and below Sacramento City Unified at $109,230.
“They have healthy finances. They have a current retention crisis right now,” said Vaccaro. “We are not asking them to drain their reserves. There’s a way for them to reprioritized their money and they should be able to figure it out.”
District leaders see the situation differently. Natomas Unified Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo said during a board meeting that while the district values teachers, the union’s proposals could force cuts to student programs.
“These demands mean real cuts to athletics, college and career services and our international baccalaureate program and other support services,” said Dr. Castillo.
Castillo also defended the district’s reserves, saying they are required and necessary to keep schools operating.
“The district is required to maintain a nine percent reserve; to put this in perspective, our district’s reserve would be fully spent in about a full month and a half just to meet our payroll,” said Castillo. “We remain committed to working towards fair and sustainable agreement, but that requires proposals grounded in local realities and a genuine effort to reach a resolution.”
The next step is scheduled for next Friday, when both sides enter fact-finding, a required process after negotiations have stalled. Arguments will be heard and a report will be released. If there is still no agreement, the union can strike.
During the Board meeting, the district also said enrollment for next school year is projected to stay flat and it is not expecting to lay off any teachers.
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