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Negotiation Updates
The Board of Trustees, Superintendent, and the Negotiations Team know that providing the best quality education and supporting the needs of our students is only possible because of all our employees' hard work and dedication. We will continue to provide updates on the negotiation process as we move forward. The District has a financial responsibility to staff and most importantly, our students. That responsibility includes planning for future needs to make sure that any ongoing expenses, such as salaries and benefits, will be affordable in the future and allow us to sustain our current staffing levels and continue to provide services and resources to our students and families. The State’s budget determines how we are funded, and as you are all aware, the state’s budget changes from year to year.
APRIL 17, 2023
On April 17, 2023, the Burton Elementary Teachers Association (BETA) negotiations team met with the District’s negotiation team to continue discussions for the 2023-2024 school year. The teams previously met on March 28, 2023.
The articles under discussion are:
Article 5 (Bargaining Unit Member Work Days);
Article 6 (leaves of absence);
Article 8 (teaching conditions and safety);
Article 9 (Transfers and Assignments);
Article 11(bargaining unit member and retiree benefits); and
Article 12 (salaries) of the current contract.
The teams will meet again on May 24, 2023.
The district's and BETA's initial proposals were ratified by the Burton School District Board of Trustees at their April 17, 2023 meeting.
APRIL 3, 2023
BETA's and BSD's initial proposals were presented for public hearing at the April 3rd Board of Trustees meeting.
MARCH 31, 2023
At the March 20, 2023 Board Meeting, representatives of Burton Elementary Teachers Association (BETA) presented their initial proposal for the 2023-2024 negotiations re-openers. This proposal asked for modifications to Article 6 (leaves of absence), Article 8 (teaching conditions and safety), Article 11 (bargaining unit member benefits), and Article 12 (salaries) of the current contract.
The District presented its initial proposal for 2023-2024 negotiations re openers to BETA on March 28th. This proposal asked for modification to Article 5 (Bargaining Unit Member Work Days), Article 9 (Transfers and Assignments), article 11 (bargaining unit member benefits), and article 12 (salaries) of the current contract.
MARCH 21, 2023
On Monday, February 27th, the Tentative Agreement for 2022-23 negotiations was approved by members of the Burton Elementary Teachers Association (BETA). On Monday, March 20th, Burton School District Board of Trustees ratified the agreement providing an 8% increase to the salary schedule and a one-time payment of 2% to BETA members, based on the current schedule. Additionally, Wednesday meetings will be reduced by 45 minutes without a negative impact on salary.
NEGOTIATIONS FAQ's:
FEBRUARY 10, 2023
Q: How does the current salary compare to the mediator's proposed 8% salary increase offered to BETA which is also the District's official position?
A: Please reference the chart below:
Q: How do Burton School District teachers' salaries compare to neighboring districts in Tulare County with the 8% increase?
A: Salaries from comparable districts in Tulare County are provided in the table below with links provided to access the salary schedule for each school district listed.
*Please note, every school district has its own rules for placement on the salary schedule based on credential types, units, etc.
*Please note, every school district has its own rules for placement on the salary schedule based on credential types, units, etc.
Q: Are teachers currently working without a contract?
A: Teachers are still working under their current contract, which is in place until June 30, 2024. What is being negotiated right now is what is called a re-opener. For the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years, the parties may re-open salaries, health and welfare benefits and up to two articles for each party.
Q: Where are we currently at in the negotiations process?
A: Both parties are currently working with the assistance of a state mediator. Our first mediation was on 1/12/23 and the parties did not come to an agreement. The second mediation was on 1/24/23 and the mediator proposed an 8% increase in salary with a one-time payment of 1% of each BETA member's annual salary. That proposal was voted down. The District's official position is 8% on schedule and 1% off schedule. A third mediation session is scheduled for 2/22/23. BETA’s position is an 11.25% increase to the salary schedule. Reference this LINK to impasse procedures to review steps in the negotiations process.
Q: What is the cost of using a mediator?
A: The mediator is provided by the state and there is no cost.
Q: Is it true that the number of teachers leaving the District has increased over the last few years?
A: No, please see the chart below.
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Feb 22, 2023 Letter
LINK - English Version
LINK - Spanish VersionFeb 22, 2023 Tentative Agreement
Feb 10, 2023 Letter
LINK - English Version
LINK - Spanish VersionJan 23, 2023 Letter
