Talks resume in Little Lake City School District teacher strike as new superintendent steps in
SANTE FE SPRINGS, Calif. (KABC) -- Negotiations resumed Monday in the Little Lake City School District teachers strike, and both sides returned to the bargaining table as a new superintendent stepped in.
Teachers, students and parents marched in solidarity outside of Lakeview Elementary School amid the ongoing strike.
"They've been on pause for eight days," said Beth Bonilla, an academic support teacher. "We need to get back into the classroom so we can start teaching them."
Negotiations have stalled over demands for healthcare, smaller class sizes and special education support.
"They're treating our students, their needs, their learning environment, their futures as if they're merely a line item on the budget," Bonilla added.
Some parents said the strike is taking a toll on their everyday lives.
"I have to adjust my work schedule. I have people coming in... that costs right? We have to pay for them while I go work... but I'm not crossing that line," said Sherry Gonzalez.
Jessica Torres, another parent, said he doesn't want her kids going to school "just to be babysat by substitute teachers."
Over the weekend, long time administrator Monica Johnson was appointed as acting superintendent of the school district after Former Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez moved up his retirement.
Both sides hope a change in leadership will end the strike.
"I have a lot of faith in Monica Johnson," Gonzalez said. "I'm hoping that she comes in and she meets at a reasonable level to our teachers."
The district stresses that any agreement between the teachers union and the district must balance support for educators and fiscal responsibility. It warns if they overspend, the state can over and that would mean losing local control over a student's education.
The strike began April 16 after 94% of union members voted to authorize a strike.
Union officials said the dispute centers on proposed midyear health care changes that could increase some employees' monthly costs to as much as $1,400, which they contend amounts to a pay cut. They are also calling for smaller class sizes and more support for special education programs.
The district has not provided comments or a negotiation update since Sunday. The strike began last Thursday.
The district, headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, serves students in portions of Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk and a small part of Downey.
Teamsters Joint Council 42 President Victor Mineros issued a statement Thursday voicing support for the striking teachers.
"These educators shape the future of our communities every single day. They show up for our children, teach them, guide them, and prepare them to lead," Mineros said.
"In return, the district has chosen to undervalue their work and push many to leave the community, and even the profession. Their fight is about dignity. It is about respect. It is about securing a fair contract that provides affordable healthcare, protects class sizes, and delivers the support students with special education needs deserve."
City News Service contributed to this report.
