Beverly Hills Tension Amid Teacher Contract Negotiations

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Teachers in Beverly Hills are engaged in vital contract negotiations.

News Summary

Beverly Hills is currently experiencing heightened tension as the Beverly Hills Education Association and the Beverly Hills Unified School District engage in critical contract negotiations. With the end of the school year nearing, teachers advocate for salary increases, improved benefits, and changes to class sizes while the district grapples with leadership changes and broader issues. A resolution is hoped for before summer, with negotiations only occurring bi-weekly, raising concerns among educators about their financial futures.

Beverly Hills on Edge Over Teacher Contract Negotiations

As the school year winds down, the spotlight is firmly on Beverly Hills, where the Beverly Hills Education Association (BHEA) is deep in negotiations with the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD). With the end of the school year just around the corner, both parties are feeling the pressure to reach an agreement.

A Bit of Background

The BHEA has been trying to negotiate teachers’ contracts, but what was supposed to be a straightforward discussion has become a bit of a drawn-out saga. Initial talks were meant to kick off in August 2024, but these plans were thrown off track thanks to the school board elections in November 2024, leading to negotiations only starting in January.

Several leadership changes within the school district have also put a damper on progress. The resignation of Dr. Michael Bregy as BHUSD Superintendent on February 21 sent ripples through the district, and subsequent changes have played a significant role in slowing down negotiations. A recent board meeting saw nearly a dozen positions closed, leaving many wondering how this will impact education.

Who’s at the Table?

The current negotiations are now led by interim Superintendent Dr. Jason Hasty, assisted by Laura Collins-Williams, who oversees student services, and Dr. Dustin Seemann, in charge of education services. On the flip side, the BHEA’s bargaining committee, spearheaded by math teacher Josh Glass, includes representatives from each school. This ensures a broad perspective when advocating for teachers’ needs.

What Do the Teachers Want?

Teachers are advocating for several key improvements in their contracts, including salary increases, updated benefits, enhancements to leave policies, and changes to class sizes in elementary schools. Last year, teachers saw a 10.5% salary increase, compensating for years of a modest raise of about 2.5%. Given the current state of negotiations, many educators are anxious about what their salaries will look like for the upcoming fall.

Negotiation Speed Bumps

Aiming for an Agreement

Both the school district and BHEA are keen on reaching a resolution before the summer break sneaks up. The BHUSD has set May 30 as a target date for finalizing negotiations, with commitments to avoid any unnecessary delays. Dr. Hasty has underscored the importance of teamwork in swiftly addressing the terms and moving towards an agreement.

More Than Just Contracts

New Leadership on the Horizon

In light of recent events, the BHUSD Board of Education is on the hunt for a new superintendent, following Dr. Bregy’s departure. Dr. Alex Cherniss has been appointed as the new superintendent, effective June 1. After gathering community input, the board aims to prioritize academic achievement and transparency in the district, an effort to stabilize the educational environment further.

As Summer Approaches…

The end of the school year is fast approaching, leaving both teachers and administrators in Beverly Hills holding their breath. With impactful changes on the horizon and negotiations underway, the community is abuzz with anticipation, hoping for a swift resolution that will ensure a bright future for both educators and students alike.