Mt. Diablo Unified, teachers reach tentative deal for 10.5% raise

Teachers in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District reached a tentative deal with the district early Saturday that would give them a 10.5% raise over the next three years, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

The agreement, reached at 1 a.m. Saturday after months of negotiations, represents a compromise between the district and the Mt. Diablo Education Association. Initially, the district offered a 7.5% raise, due to declining enrollment, while the teachers wanted a 12.5% salary boost.

Last week, union members voted overwhelmingly to strike by the end of March, authorizing the first teachers’ strike in the district in more than 40 years. Teachers will vote this week on whether to accept the tentative deal.

“Both (the union) and the district believe this settlement is the best agreement possible after discussion with the fact-finding panel, and considering the available up-to-date information,” according to a joint statement by the district and the union. “Thank you to everyone who has actively engaged in this process, from bargaining team members and board members, to those who attended meetings and public events, to those who have shown support and encouragement to all involved in pursuit of reaching the best possible settlement for our students, our educators, our community, our schools, and our district.”