Natomas Teachers’ Association Negotiations Update March 29, 2018

We have been asked to provide clarity on some recent confusion with the bargaining updates that the district has been sending out to you.  Don’t be deceived.

• Part of the confusion comes from the title they use – the district lists NTA in their title, as well as listing our NTA team – which makes it appear as if it is somehow a joint communication.  It is not.  
• Their update is the perspective of the district team only – you cannot even assume that there are facts contained therein.  For example, the update is created to purposefully mislead. Listing the highest possible salaries of all employee groups, no matter if there are any actual employees at that salary is intended to communicate falsely that our employees are paid at a higher rate than they actually are. For example, there are no speech teachers at the salary they listed, only one counselor.  Remember, 40% of our 580 employees are probationary, hired between 2015-2017, so many are at a beginning salary, and teacher turnover is at an all time high.  Listing the potential maximum lifetime pay is disingenuous and purposefully misleading. Perhaps it is an attempt to distract you from the district management’s many high salaries?  If you recall, the Sacramento Bee pointed out Natomas as the highest paid admin in the Sacramento area – a shocking 83% increase. Our superintendent is paid higher than the governor, and many district level management, including members of the school board, have secured lifetime benefits.  The district is reaching hard to deceive you.
• Our NTA updates look like this one – only our name at the top and only our team listed at the bottom.
• What are the next steps?  What can you do? How can you get involved now that the district has once again declared impasse?  You have been sent a comprehensive list of actions to your personal email. If you did not receive it, forward me your personal email at bborgeca@gmail.com

In the meantime, have a great spring break!    

NTA NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE – March 29, 2018