This page collects proposal documents and MTA-prepared comparisons for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 negotiations. Proposal documents retain their author and version stamps. Staff comparisons are reading aids; the underlying proposal documents control. Newer proposals appear before earlier proposals.
Nothing on this page is a final agreement.
Posted proposals and MTA summaries do not, by themselves, establish that a binding agreement has been reached. Any tentative agreement and required ratification or approvals will be identified separately. A proposed MOU is not an executed agreement merely because it is drafted in MOU form.
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NEW: Side by Side: MTA and District Proposals
This comparison contains 76 entries covering MTA’s July 31, 2026 proposals, including its Two-Year Deal, and the District’s October 23, 2026 packet. Entries identify different proposals, matching terms, and agreements. MTA and the District are in agreement on the 2026 health and welfare benefit year, the current counselor work year, the para training and lead stipend terms, and three-week class-size balancing. These are MTA reading aids, not an official count of unresolved bargaining issues or signed tentative agreements.
Revised November 2, 2026: class-size balancing marked agreed. October 30, 2026: status labels and several entries revised, aggregate counts removed, and the JSEC entry corrected.
AgreedDifferent proposalsMatching termsCompare stated terms
Key highlights
Selected by MTA from the dated proposals: MTA, July 31, 2026; District, October 23, 2026. Tap “details” for the full terms on both sides.
| Issue | MTA · July 31 | District · Oct. 23 |
|---|---|---|
| Pay and health | ||
| Raise, 2026–27 (ongoing) details ↓ | 4.5% | 3.0% |
| District health contribution, 2026 (monthly: EO / Agreed — 2026 benefit year details ↓ | $1,121 / $1,261 / $1,401 | $1,121 / $1,289.17 / $1,457.33* |
| MTA and the District are in agreement on the 2026 health and welfare benefit year. The dated proposal columns show the terms as written in those versions; their differences do not reflect a continuing disagreement for 2026. | ||
| District health contribution, 2027 details ↓ | Ongoing floating cap that rises according to the Lowest Cost Plan (LCP), subject to the negotiated reference-growth limit, contribution floors, and automatic reopener. EO 100%, E+1 150%, and Family 200% of the LCP Reference Amount. | Fixed: $1,131 / $1,696.50 / $2,262 a month* |
| Automatic health reopener details ↓ | Yes, if actual LCP exceeds the reference | No automatic reopener stated |
| Leave | ||
| Proof of illness “may be required” if school-year absences exceed details ↓ | 20 days | 16 days |
| Wellness Day details ↓ | One paid day per school year | Status quo — no additional paid Wellness Day proposed. |
| Class size (Article VI) | ||
| Exceeding the 24-student cap in K–3 / details ↓ | District may exceed 24 by no more than one student per classroom, only in the listed circumstances | District may exceed 24 in the listed circumstances; no one-student-per-classroom ceiling stated |
| Circumstances that allow that exception (students enrolling on or after the first instructional day) details ↓ | Three: legally required school-safety transfer; custody order requiring a site change; sibling placement required by law, Board policy, or an approved transfer decision | Six: MTA’s three, plus special education services at the site; attendance-area resident with no other placement options; unhoused/foster move-in |
| Class-size balancing deadline Agreed — three-week balancing details ↓ | End of third week (elementary and fall secondary); beginning of third week (spring secondary) | Keeps three-week balancing; the October 23 packet strikes its earlier four-week request |
| Co-teaching inclusion class maximums (grades 7–8 / details ↓ | 33 / 35 | 35 / 37, equal to the general-class maximums |
| Staffing | ||
| Cuts to Supplemental/ details ↓ | No such clause | District “may reduce” it “at its discretion” if funds are not sufficient; written notice to MTA by December 1 of the school year before |
| High school counselors (District site average) details ↓ | No greater than 450:1 | No greater than 650:1 |
| Nurses, PreK–12 details ↓ | No less than 24.00 FTE | No less than 20.95 FTE |
| Hours of Employment (Article IV) | ||
| Adjunct duty (grades 7–12) details ↓ | Maximum 15 hours a year, aggregated across sites; beyond 15, voluntary or paid at the contractual hourly rate | 18 hours, carried forward from its earlier proposal (“status quo from prior proposal”); also proposes deleting the Adjunct Duty Committee |
| Counselor work year Agreed — current counselor work year retained details ↓ | No 195-day counselor requirement | Withdraws its 195-day proposal; counselor work year “shall remain as currently exists” |
| Alternate MTSS schedule vote Matching 65% threshold details ↓ | 65% to implement, with annual reaffirmation | Withdraws its proposal to lower the threshold to 60%; keeps 65% |
| Elementary Instructional Day (EID) pilot | ||
| Required instructional minutes by subject New MOU p. 67 ↗ | No subject-area minimums; “Teachers have the discretion to determine the arrangement of content within the Instructional Day.” | Seeks to put required instructional minutes by subject in the contract for the first time: ELA at least 120 minutes daily; math at least 75 (K–2) or 90 (grades 3–6); MTSS block at least 30; designated ELD at least 25; PE 200 minutes every ten days |
| Site staff vote details ↓ | Yes: “no less than 65% of teachers voting in support,” with an annual reaffirming vote | No pilot-site staff vote requirement; sites selected by agreement of the parties |
| Classroom teacher prep details ↓ | Two 30-minute periods and one 45-minute period weekly (Article IV, H); the pilot MOU does not specify three 40-minute periods | Three 40-minute VAPA/PE prep periods weekly (120 minutes) |
| Dedicated classroom for Prep Providers and CLTs details ↓ | Required; “Cart-based instruction shall not be used in lieu of providing a dedicated classroom.” | Status quo — no dedicated-classroom guarantee added by the pilot MOU |
| Prep time for Prep Providers, CLTs, and itinerants details ↓ | At least 24 hours per year, in blocks of at least 30 minutes | At least 40 minutes weekly for itinerant VAPA/PE teachers |
| New credential to deliver prep details ↓ | No new credential required to deliver prep. Committee on Assignments qualification training at no cost to the teacher, with $80/HR if required after the normal instructional day. | Teachers “must agree to one of the identified” qualification pathways; existing teachers may qualify without a new credential; no $80 rate stated |
| Band/ details ↓ | Maintain current pullout programs and at least current FTE | Pullout during the VAPA Special and one non-prep-day block; no current-FTE floor stated |
| Special education and Education Specialists | ||
| Special Educator stipend details ↓ | $2,500 (2025–26); $3,500 (2026–27) | $1,500 retroactive to 2025–26; $3,000 annually beginning 2026–27; nurses not listed |
| Resource Specialist and Education Specialist caseload provisions details ↓ | Resource Specialists: 28; written volunteers above 28 receive Optional Period payment, up to 32. Interns and probationary employees cannot exceed 28. | Mild/Moderate: above 28 requires specialist and SELPA agreement; $15 per excess student per day. ESN: $15 per student per day above the applicable Section D table maximum; that sentence does not state the same agreement condition. |
| SDC overage pay details ↓ | $17 per day per student above the caseload maximum | Strikes the general overage payment paragraph; separate Education Specialist overage provisions remain |
| SLP caseload details ↓ | Individual cap 55; above 55 voluntary at $17 per excess student per day. Preschool-only cap 40; mixed caseloads use preschool weighting of 1.375. | Individual cap 65; above 65 voluntary at $15 per day, not per excess student. Preschool-only cap 40; no mixed-caseload preschool weighting stated. |
| Base IEP release days details ↓ | 3 per academic year | 2 |
| IEP meetings after hours details ↓ | $70/hour beyond one hour after school dismissal | $80/hour beyond an eight-hour workday |
| Mainstreamed students above the class maximum (TK–6) details ↓ | Up to three more at $17 per student per day; beyond three, para support plus continued overage pay | More than two above maximum triggers an administrator meeting to determine support need; no separate $15 mainstreaming-overage paragraph |
| Extra para for every __ students above the maximum (Highly Structured / details ↓ | 2 / 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 / 5 |
| Pay when required SLPA/ details ↓ | Eighth-period daily rate after each five consecutive full-day uncovered absences/vacancy | Provision struck |
| Compliance training details ↓ | Supportive training and resources; no counterpart to mandatory sessions | For persistent IEP noncompliance, mandatory PD during the workday, attended “without compensation”; supportive training also retained |
* MTA arithmetic: the District’s annual amounts ÷ 12. EO = employee only; E+1 = employee plus one. LCP = the lowest-cost employee-only CalPERS medical plan in the region applying to MCS.
Every entry, by article
76 comparison entries. Tap an article, then an entry, to see both proposals.
Article IX (Salary) and the Two-Year Deal6 entries
2026-27 ongoingDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 20264.5% on-schedule, effective July 1, 2026, or the first day of the 2026–27 work year, whichever is earlier. If the statutory or funded COLA exceeds 4.31%, or an augmentation is added after agreement, the parties reconvene to negotiate the additional state money.MTA: Two-Year Deal, Salary, 2026–27
District · October 23, 20263.0% ongoing increase to applicable salary schedules, effective July 1, 2026, or the beginning of the 2026–27 school-year pay cycle. No state-money reopener is stated.District PDF p. 1
8th period optionalDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 202625% of the Stipend Schedule Base Rate, retroactive to the start of 2025-26.MTA: Article IX (Salary), M.8
District · October 23, 2026Status quo — retain the existing optional-period pay rate.District PDF p. 1–2
Extended-day performing artsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026$67/hour for voluntary direct music or theater instruction beyond the regular day, including 8th period, for students unable to enroll in the scheduled 8th-period performing-arts class. Prior written administrator approval and monthly pay claim. Separate from existing production and co-curricular stipends. No adverse action for declining.MTA: Article IX (Salary), M.15
District · October 23, 2026Status quo — no additional extended-day performing arts hourly rate proposed.District PDF p. 1–2
PD initiative discontinuanceDifferent proposals — bargaining versus consultation
MTA proposes bargaining over the terms of ending the PD initiative. The District proposes retaining the decision to end it after consultation with MTA. Its clause provides notice and meaningful input but does not expressly require negotiations over discontinuance or MTA’s agreement before the District acts.
MTA · July 31, 2026If the District determines there are insufficient funds to support the initiative on an ongoing basis, it shall notify MTA before July 1. The parties “shall meet and negotiate the terms of discontinuing the program.”MTA: Article IX (Salary), Professional Development
District · October 23, 2026Following consultation with MTA, the District may discontinue the .5% professional development initiative if it determines there are insufficient funds to support it. It shall notify MTA before July 1 of the need to discontinue the initiative. Unless there are unique special circumstances, it will complete the year once the initiative has begun in a fiscal year. Consultation is intended to provide understanding of the rationale and meaningful input into the conditions for discontinuance.Earlier District proposal carried forward: April 6, 2026, 1:00 p.m., Article IX (Salary), printed p. 75
2025-26 ongoingMatching 3% increase
Matching 3% increase; broader retroactive eligibility not restated by District.
MTA · July 31, 20263.0% on-schedule, effective July 1, 2025, or the first day of the 2025–26 work year, whichever is earlier. Retroactive for all unit members who performed paid bargaining-unit service during the retroactive period, including those who later retired, resigned, separated, changed assignments, or changed status. Payment as soon as administratively practicable following ratification and Board approval.MTA: Two-Year Deal, Salary, 2025–26
District · October 23, 20263.0% ongoing increase to applicable salary schedules, effective July 1, 2025, or the beginning of the 2025–26 school-year pay cycle. The broader MTA retroactive-eligibility language is not restated.District PDF p. 1
2026-27 one-timeMatching terms — no one-time salary payment
MTA · July 31, 2026No one-time, off-schedule salary payment proposed for 2026–27.MTA: Two-Year Deal, Salary
District · October 23, 2026No one-time, off-schedule salary payment proposed for 2026–27.District PDF p. 1–2
Article X (Health and Welfare Benefits) and the Two-Year Deal8 entries
2026 contributions and catch-upAgreed — 2026 benefit year
MTA and the District are in agreement on the 2026 health and welfare benefit year. The dated proposal columns show the terms as written in those versions; their differences do not reflect a continuing disagreement for 2026.
MTA · July 31, 2026For currently enrolled full-time members: EO $1,121/month; E+1 $1,261/month; Family $1,401/month. Effective January 1, 2026. Prospective contributions start the second month following full ratification. A one-time payment covers the contribution difference from January 1 to prospective implementation, on an issuance date agreed by the parties.MTA: Two-Year Deal, Health and Welfare, 2025–26 items 1–4
District · October 23, 2026For currently enrolled full-time members: EO $1,121/month; E+1 $1,289.17/month; Family $1,457.33/month (MTA arithmetic: annual amounts ÷ 12, rounded for display). Source annual amounts: $13,452 / $15,470 / $17,488. Effective January 1, 2026. Prospective contributions start the second month following full ratification. A one-time payment covers the contribution difference for the preceding period, on an issuance date agreed by the parties.District PDF p. 1–2
2026 enrollment changesAgreed — 2026 benefit year
MTA · July 31, 2026The contribution increase is not a qualifying midyear election change; members “may not be permitted” to modify their 2026 election.MTA: Two-Year Deal, Health and Welfare, 2025–26 item 4.c
District · October 23, 2026The contribution increase is not a qualifying midyear election change; members “may not be permitted” to modify their 2026 election.District PDF p. 2
2027 contributionsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Starting January 1, 2027, an ongoing floating cap based on the LCP Reference Amount: employee-only 100%, employee plus one 150%, and family 200%. The reference amount for 2027 and later years is the lower of the actual LCP or 110% of the prior year’s reference. Contributions cannot fall below the applicable dollar floor or the prior year’s contribution for that tier. If actual LCP exceeds the reference amount, bargaining automatically reopens over the contribution and sharing of the excess.MTA: Two-Year Deal, Health and Welfare, 2027 items 1–3
District · October 23, 2026For the 2027 benefit year: fixed annual contributions of EO $13,572; E+1 $20,358; Family $27,144 for currently enrolled full-time members. Monthly equivalents are $1,131; $1,696.50; and $2,262 (MTA arithmetic: annual amount ÷ 12).District PDF p. 2
Reference plan and contribution floorsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026LCP is the lowest-cost employee-only CalPERS medical plan in the region applying to MCS. The 2026 reference equals the actual 2026 LCP. From 2027, the reference is the lower of actual LCP or 110% of the prior year’s reference. Monthly contributions cannot fall below $1,121 / $1,261 / $1,401 or the prior year’s contribution for that tier. Remaining premium is the member’s responsibility unless changed through the reopener.MTA: Two-Year Deal, Health and Welfare, 2027 item 4 and 4.a
District · October 23, 2026The fixed contribution amounts “shall not change,” except if the parties agree to formally negotiate changes and codify their agreement in an MOU. No continuing LCP formula or contribution-floor provision is stated.District PDF p. 2
Plan substitution protectionsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026A plan first offered or approved after 2026, renamed, replaced, or substantially changed may count as LCP only by written agreement. A plan may not count if it materially reduces benefits, coverage value, or provider access, or materially increases cost-sharing compared with the 2026 LCP. “The District must show that the plan is comparable.”MTA: Two-Year Deal, Health and Welfare, 2027 item 4
District · October 23, 2026Status quo — no counterpart proposed to MTA’s additional LCP plan-substitution protections.District PDF p. 2
Automatic health reopenerDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026If actual LCP exceeds the reference, bargaining automatically reopens over the contribution and sharing of the excess, beyond impacts or effects. Rate sheets, calculations, enrollment, and projections due within 5 workdays after final CalPERS rates; bargaining begins within 10 workdays. Parties make every reasonable effort to finish before Open Enrollment. Interim contribution is the highest of the tier formula, dollar floor, or prior-year amount. Any agreed increase is retroactive to January 1. Interim payments preserve both parties’ positions.MTA: Two-Year Deal, Health and Welfare, 2027 item 4.b
District · October 23, 2026No automatic reopener is stated. Changes to fixed contributions require negotiated agreement codified in an MOU.District PDF p. 2
Married / domestic partnersDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Two married or registered-domestic-partner unit members who are both eligible for District-paid medical benefits may coordinate under one E+1 or Family plan, subject to CalPERS rules and District procedures. One Primary Holder is designated in writing during open enrollment or a qualifying event. The other contribution offsets actual premium up to the employee-only amount. Combined contributions cannot exceed actual premium. No unused cash except under existing waiver/cash-in-lieu provisions; neither member may hold a separate E+1 or Family plan while coordinating.MTA: Two-Year Deal, Health and Welfare, coordinated coverage
District · October 23, 2026Status quo — no counterpart proposed to MTA’s coordinated married/domestic-partner contribution arrangement.District PDF p. 1–2
Other benefit rightsCompare stated terms
MTA · July 31, 2026All other Article X (Health and Welfare Benefits) terms continue, including the Section 125 plan, dental, vision, opt-out, and cash-in-lieu provisions. No EERA waiver. Except for the negotiated formula, the District “may not change” plan options, design, networks, eligibility, tiers, contributions, or other negotiable terms on its own.MTA: Two-Year Deal, Health and Welfare, Rights Preserved
District · October 23, 2026Status quo for other benefit terms; the October 23 packet sets out the contribution changes separately.District PDF p. 1–2
Article IV (Hours of Employment) and the Elementary Instructional Day Pilot17 entries
Counselor work yearAgreed — current counselor work year retained
MTA · July 31, 2026Certificated full-time employees, except psychologists and ECE staff, work 185 days. Counselors may be scheduled for days mutually agreed with the principal. No 195-day counselor requirement.MTA: Article IV (Hours of Employment), F
District · October 23, 2026Expressly withdraws the proposed 195-day counselor year; counselor work year “shall remain as currently exists.” Separate from the 190-day proposal for SLPs, nurses, and inclusion specialists.District PDF p. 4
Site voteDifferent proposals
Pilot term and deadlinesDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Fall 2026 planning; spring 2027 implementation. Training, curriculum, and schedules within one month after ratification. Written site review April 1–30, 2027; joint review by the last week of April. MTA surveys sites. MOU ends May 30, 2027, unless extended in writing.MTA: Pilot MOU, 3.a, 3.v–x
District · October 23, 2026Fall 2026 planning; spring 2027 implementation. Schedule developed before December 1, 2026; training and curriculum within one month after ratification. Written site review April 1–30; joint review by the last week of April 2027. Parties agree on staff survey/feedback. MOU ends May 30, 2027, unless extended in writing.District PDF p. 66, 70–71
Classroom teacher prepDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026The pilot MOU does not specify three 40-minute classroom prep periods. Article IV (Hours of Employment), H, retains two 30-minute periods and one 45-minute period weekly. Grade-level common prep may be structured; collaboration during individual prep is voluntary. Prep missed due to a holiday, full-day PD, field trip, or minimum day is not made up.MTA: Article IV (Hours of Employment), H; Pilot MOU, 3.s–t
District · October 23, 2026Each class receives three 40-minute VAPA/PE prep periods weekly (120 minutes). Itinerant allocation is enrollment-based. Individual collaboration during common prep is voluntary. Prep missed due to a holiday, full-day PD, field trip, or minimum day is not made up.District PDF p. 67–68, 70
Prep for the itinerants themselvesDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Prep Providers and CLTs receive at least 24 hours of prep per year, in blocks of at least 30 minutes. Parties agree on a maximum number of prep-provider slots per day.MTA: Pilot MOU, 3.p–q
District · October 23, 2026Itinerant VAPA/PE teachers receive at least 40 minutes of prep weekly.District PDF p. 69
Dedicated classroomDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026A “dedicated, on-site instructional classroom appropriate to the subject taught,” “reserved for the exclusive use of the Provider or CLT” during all teaching, prep, planning, transition and collaboration blocks; “shall not be reassigned, displaced, or temporarily reallocated for testing, assemblies, or IEP meetings”; “Cart-based instruction shall not be used in lieu of providing a dedicated classroom.”MTA: Pilot MOU, 3.u
Credential / qualificationDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026“CLTs and Prep Providers shall not be required to obtain a new credential to deliver prep.” Committee-on-Assignments training at no cost “and shall be paid $80/HR if required after the normal instructional day.”MTA: Pilot MOU, 3.f
District · October 23, 2026Existing itinerants may choose to participate. “Participating teachers must agree to one of the identified” qualification pathways; existing teachers may qualify without a new credential through the traditional process. Committee on Assignments qualification at no cost to the teacher. If an itinerant declines, the District solicits internal interest; multiple qualified applicants go through selection. No $80 after-hours training rate is stated.District PDF p. 69
Site leadership payDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026$80/hour when the site leadership team meets beyond its scheduled hour to discuss the pilot or create schedules.MTA: Pilot MOU, 3.g
District · October 23, 2026No additional hourly-pay provision for that work in the pilot MOU.District PDF p. 70
Transfer and return rightsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Status quo — no additional pilot-specific transfer-and-return provision.MTA: Pilot MOU
District · October 23, 2026Transfers to and from pilot sites require agreement of the parties, take effect on an agreed date, and are for the pilot year only. If the pilot is not extended, displaced teachers return to their previous sites the following school year.District PDF p. 70
Class-size maximums in the pilotDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Grade-level maximums and overage pay apply to both CLTs and Prep Providers.MTA: Pilot MOU, 3.r
District · October 23, 2026Grade-level maximums and current-contract overages apply to VAPA teachers/classes. The MOU does not expressly extend that sentence to PE.District PDF p. 67
Music, grades 4-6Different proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Maintain current grades 4-6 band/orchestra pullout programs and at least current FTE.MTA: Pilot MOU, 3.m
District · October 23, 2026Grades 4–6 band/strings students may be pulled during the VAPA Special and during the corresponding block on one non-prep day, with coordination to avoid Tier I core instruction. No current-FTE floor is stated.District PDF p. 68–69
Adjunct dutyDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026For grades 7–12: maximum 15 adjunct-duty hours annually, aggregated across sites. Voluntary where possible, advance sign-ups, and equitable rotation. Graduation/promotion participation is not required; credited time counts toward the limit. Cancelled, unreplaced events count. Beyond 15 hours, duty is voluntary or compensated at the contractual hourly rate.MTA: Article IV (Hours of Employment), E
District · October 23, 202618 hours, compared with 15, carried forward from the District’s earlier proposal. The October 23 packet lists Adjunct duty as “status quo from prior proposal” and the Adjunct Duty Committee as “status quo from prior proposal (delete it).”District PDF p. 4
Collaboration scheduleDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Retains 26 early-release collaboration days; pilot MOU continues early-release collaboration as currently practiced.MTA: Article IV (Hours of Employment), C; Pilot MOU, 3.l
District · October 23, 2026Deletes the TK–6 within-day collaboration proposal. Extends existing TK–12 early-release collaboration through 2026–27.District PDF p. 4
Other hours provisionsEarlier District proposals carried forward
MTA · July 31, 2026July 31 Article IV (Hours of Employment) contains the full MTA proposals on collaboration, preschool prep, mandated training, and other hours provisions.MTA: Article IV (Hours of Employment)
District · October 23, 2026Maintains CBA Revision Committee changes; incorporates prior proposals on special education collaboration, collaboration survey, substitute daily rate, preschool SDC prep, and mandated training. Retains proposed deletion of the Adjunct Duty and EID committees. Incorporated text is not attached.District PDF p. 4
Number of pilot sitesMatching two-site limit; site-vote difference
Pilot evaluation and discipline protectionsMatching terms
MTA · July 31, 2026Evaluation identifies pilot participation, modified schedule, daily minutes, and prep-provider configuration. Pilot participation, adherence, and attributable outcomes cannot support an unsatisfactory rating, recommended nonreelection, notice of unprofessional conduct/unsatisfactory performance, or PAR placement. Supplements Education Code protections.MTA: Pilot MOU, 3.o
District · October 23, 2026Evaluation identifies pilot participation, modified schedule, daily minutes, and prep configuration. Pilot participation, adherence, and attributable outcomes cannot support the same listed adverse evaluation or employment actions. Supplements Education Code protections.District PDF p. 71
Alternate MTSS voteMatching terms
Matching 65% threshold; not a tentative agreement.
MTA · July 31, 202665% support to implement an alternate MTSS schedule; annual reaffirmation. Below 65%, the site returns to its prior schedule.MTA: Article IV (Hours of Employment), A.5.b
District · October 23, 2026Expressly withdraws the proposal to lower the alternate-MTSS threshold to 60%; retains 65%.District PDF p. 4
Article V (Leaves)4 entries
Proof of illness thresholdDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Proof of illness “may be required” if school-year absences exceed 20 days. Separate proof provisions for apparent abuse of repeated short absences remain.MTA: Article V (Leaves), Sick Leave provisions
District · October 23, 2026Proof of illness “may be required” if school-year absences exceed 16 days. Separate proof provisions for apparent abuse of repeated short absences remain.District PDF p. 7
Field tripsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026“Sick days shall not be deducted for school-sponsored field trips.”MTA: Article V (Leaves), Sick Leave, 3.a
District · October 23, 2026Status quo — no counterpart to MTA’s proposed sentence that sick days shall not be deducted for school-sponsored field trips.District PDF p. 5–38
Sick-leave donation capDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Maximum received and used: 60 days in a three-school-year period.MTA: Article V (Leaves), Sick Leave Donation
District · October 23, 2026Maximum received and used: 30 days in a three-school-year period, unless mutually agreed for unique circumstances, case by case.District PDF p. 8–9
Wellness DayDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026One paid Wellness Day per school year in addition to other leaves. No accrual, carryover, cash-out, transfer, or CalSTRS credit. Request at least 7 calendar days ahead; written approval/denial within “forty-eight (48) business hours”; no response constitutes approval. Unresolved requests may go to HR to establish the day. No use in evaluation, discipline, assignment, or reelection.MTA: Article V (Leaves), G.G
District · October 23, 2026Status quo — no additional paid Wellness Day proposed.District PDF p. 5–38
Article VI (Class Size)11 entries
Balancing deadlineAgreed — three-week balancing window
The District’s October 23 packet strikes its earlier four-week balancing request and keeps three-week balancing.
MTA · July 31, 2026Good-faith balancing by end of third week at the elementary level and fall secondary level; beginning of third week in spring secondary. Elementary assignment changes: at least 3 workdays’ notice unless mutually agreed; resulting fourth-week delay permitted.MTA: Article VI (Class Size), A.3, B.1, C.1
District · October 23, 2026Keeps third-week balancing: the October 23 packet strikes the District’s earlier fourth-week language for TK–6 and for the fall semester in grades 7–8 and 9–12. Spring secondary deadline remains the beginning of the third week. Elementary 3-workday assignment-change notice retained; a resulting delay “to the fourth (4th) week” is not “a violation of the three (3) week balancing term.”District PDF p. 40–41
K-3 exception — capDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026K–3: District discretion to exceed 24 by no more than one student per classroom, limited to the listed enrollment circumstances.MTA: Article VI (Class Size), A.1
District · October 23, 2026TK–3: discretion to exceed 24 for the listed circumstances; no one-student-per-classroom ceiling is stated.District PDF p. 39
K-3 exception — circumstancesDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Student seeks enrollment on or after the first instructional day, and: legally required school-safety transfer; custody order requiring site change; or sibling placement required by law, Board policy, or approved transfer decision.MTA: Article VI (Class Size), A.1
District · October 23, 2026Student seeks enrollment on or after the first instructional day, and: special education services at the site; attendance-area resident with no other placement options; unhoused/foster move-in; legally required safety transfer; custody-order change; or sibling enrollment required by law, Board policy, or approved transfer decision.District PDF p. 39–40
K-3 exception — notice and assignmentDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Written notice identifies the legal/policy basis, good-faith mitigation efforts, and expected duration. Volunteers first; principal assigns if none volunteer. No repeat assignment next year unless requested. Section A.5 overage pay continues while above maximum. Proposal identifies this as a collectively bargained alternative under Education Code § 42238.02.MTA: Article VI (Class Size), A.1
District · October 23, 2026Written notice identifies the enrollment category. Volunteers first; principal assigns if none volunteer. No repeat assignment next year unless requested. Section A.5 overage pay continues while above maximum. Proposal identifies a collectively bargained alternative under Education Code § 42238.02.District PDF p. 40
Prep Provider overageDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Prep Provider: $3 per excess student per instructional block. CLT: $3 per excess student per instructional hour. Monthly claims use enrollment, rather than attendance; no pay when the overage class is not taught.MTA: Article VI (Class Size), A.5
Co-teaching inclusion maximumsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Co-teaching inclusion maximums: 33 in grades 7–8; 35 in grades 9–12.MTA: Article VI (Class Size), B.2.c, C.2.c
District · October 23, 2026Co-teaching inclusion maximums: 35 in grades 7–8; 37 in grades 9–12, equal to the general-class maximums.District PDF p. 41
General class maximumsMatching terms
MTA · July 31, 2026TK–3: 24. Grades 4–6: 34. Combination class uses the lower grade-level maximum. Grades 7–8: 35 general / 54 PE. Grades 9–12: 37 general / 57 PE; Elliott: 30. Separate co-teaching limits below.MTA: Article VI (Class Size), A.1, B.2, C.2
K-6 overage rateMatching $15 overage rate
MTA · July 31, 2026K–6 voluntary overages: $15 per excess student per day after the first 15 instructional days; monthly claim. Teacher may limit accepted excess students. No additional pay for teacher-requested extra students when other classes have lower enrollment. Read with the separate K–3 exception-pay provision.MTA: Article VI (Class Size), A.5
District · October 23, 2026Status quo — TK–6 voluntary overages: $15 per excess student per day after the first 15 instructional days; monthly claim. No additional pay for teacher-requested extra students when other classes have lower enrollment. No sentence allowing the teacher to limit accepted excess students. Read with the separate K–3 exception-pay provision.District PDF p. 40
Optional periods per departmentMatching terms
MTA · July 31, 2026Maximum four optionals per department. At five, District hires 1.0 FTE instead. If good-faith hiring fails, a fifth may be assigned to a current employee after consultation with MTA.MTA: Article VI (Class Size), optional-period paragraph
District · October 23, 2026Same four-optional limit, hiring provision, and consultation exception.District PDF p. 42
7–12 class overage paragraphMatching terms
MTA · July 31, 2026The July 31 Article VI (Class Size) also omits the earlier temporary 7–12 $3-per-student-per-period overage paragraph.MTA: Article VI (Class Size), full proposal
District · October 23, 2026Strikes the temporary 7–12 $3-per-student-per-period overage paragraph and its payment/review mechanics.District PDF p. 42
Partnered classroomsMatching terms
MTA · July 31, 2026Voluntary TK–6 partnered classrooms for corrective disciplinary measures. Temporary added students do not count as a class-size change for any purpose.MTA: Article VI (Class Size), G
District · October 23, 2026Same voluntary partnered-classroom and temporary-student language.District PDF p. 44–45
Article VII (Staffing Ratios)8 entries
Supplemental / Concentration clauseDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026No corresponding discretionary staffing-reduction clause.MTA: Article VII (Staffing Ratios), opening
District · October 23, 2026The District proposes authority to reduce Supplemental/Concentration-funded staffing “at its discretion” if it determines funds are insufficient. Written notice to MTA is required on or before December 1 of the school year before the impacted year. The clause does not require MTA’s agreement to the reduction.District PDF p. 46
Positions designated S/C-fundedDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026No positions labeled Supplemental/Concentration-funded.MTA: Article VII (Staffing Ratios)
District · October 23, 2026Designates specified positions or portions of positions as Supplemental/Concentration-funded: grades 7–8 counselors, athletic and activities directors, intervention and leadership; grades 9–12 portions of counselor staffing, college and concentration counselors, athletic and activities directors, intervention, and Work Experience/Career Center; continuation Work Experience and counseling; and 4.95 nurse FTE. Read with the insufficient-funds reduction clause and December 1 advance-notice condition.District PDF p. 46–48
Staffing count dateDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Students counted at end of third week of the school year.MTA: Article VII (Staffing Ratios), opening
District · October 23, 2026Students counted at end of fourth week of the school year.District PDF p. 46
9-12 counselors and psychologistsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Regular high school counselors: District site average no greater than 450:1. School psychologists: 1,500:1 based on District enrollment.MTA: Article VII (Staffing Ratios), 19 and 36
College counselorsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 20260.80 FTE per comprehensive high school.MTA: Article VII (Staffing Ratios), 20
District · October 23, 20261.0 FTE per comprehensive high school; 0.40 FTE identified as Supplemental/Concentration-funded.District PDF p. 47
Continuation School counselorsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Continuation counselor District site average no greater than 225:1.MTA: Article VII (Staffing Ratios), 33
District · October 23, 2026Continuation counselor District site average no greater than 200:1; reduction from 250:1 identified as Supplemental/Concentration-funded.District PDF p. 48
Music and agriculture staffing floorsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Grades 7–8 instrumental music: at least 0.40 FTE per site. Grades 9–12 instrumental music: at least 1.0 FTE per comprehensive site. Grades 9–12 agriculture supervisor: 0.20 FTE per comprehensive site.MTA: Article VII (Staffing Ratios), 14, 25–26
District · October 23, 2026Strikes the corresponding instrumental-music and agriculture-supervisor staffing entries from Article VII (Staffing Ratios). This does not establish that the programs or positions themselves are eliminated.District PDF p. 47
NursesDifferent proposals
Article XXV (Special Education)22 entries
Para training and lead stipendsAgreed
MTA · July 31, 2026ESN teachers of record may voluntarily provide para PD once per quarter at $50/hour, with advance program-manager approval and no conflict with other training/obligations. Two BCBA chairperson stipends from 2026–27 at 6.5% of base; Nursing chairperson at 16.5%.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), B.2 and C.5
Special Educator stipendDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026$2,500 for 2025–26, effective July 1, 2025, or first work-year day, whichever is earlier, with retroactive payment as soon as administratively practicable after ratification and Board approval; $3,500 for 2026–27. Other eligibility terms follow Article XXV (Special Education), including listed teachers/providers, psychologists, and nurses; prorated for less than a full year; biannual payment.MTA: Two-Year Deal, Special Education; Article XXV (Special Education), B.3
District · October 23, 2026$1,500 retroactive to 2025–26; $3,000 annually beginning 2026–27 for listed special educators, including psychologists. Nurses are not listed. Prorated for less than a full year; biannual payment. Two stipends for teachers serving two distinct AM/PM groups. Service-minute tracking condition is struck.District PDF p. 52
SDC caseload maximumsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Effective 2026–27. Retains separate secondary Highly Structured entries (14 for grades 7–8; 16 for grades 9–12). OI/OM: 24; Adaptive PE: 45; Visually Impaired: 22. DHH Itinerant: 40; one infant served weekly counts as two. Separate workload standards below.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), D.1
District · October 23, 2026Effective 2026–27. Strikes separate secondary Highly Structured entries; uses Structured Parallel, Functional Skills, and Applied Skills labels. Strikes OI/OM 12, Adaptive PE 45, and VI 12 entries; lists VI Itinerant 40 and DHH Itinerant 40. One infant served weekly counts as two.District PDF p. 54–55
SDC caseload overage rateDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026$17 per day per student above caseload maximum, based on classroom enrollment rather than site average; monthly claim. Balancing by end of third week; overage pay begins after third week following balancing.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), B.1
Education / Resource Specialist caseloadDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Maximum 28. TK–12 Resource Specialists who volunteer in writing above 28 receive Optional Period payment; absolute maximum 32. Interns and probationary employees cannot exceed 28. Monthly caseload review and good-faith balancing.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), D.10
District · October 23, 2026Mild/Moderate above 28 requires agreement of specialist and SELPA administration; $15 per excess student per day. ESN: $15 per student per day above Section D table maximum. Maximum two sites unless assigned rover; monthly review. If unwilling to exceed 28, substitute para support, escalation for unfilled support, and efforts to provide case-management staffing.District PDF p. 58–59
SLP caseloadDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Individual cap 55. Above 55 voluntary, paid $17 per excess student per day. Preschool-only cap 40. Mixed school-age/preschool caseloads reduced proportionally; preschool weight 1.375. Monthly review and JSEC service-minute review.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), D.11
District · October 23, 2026Individual cap 65. Above 65 voluntary, paid $15 per day (a flat daily payment). Preschool-only cap 40. Monthly review and JSEC service-minute review. No mixed-caseload preschool weighting stated.District PDF p. 61
SLPA supportDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Two days per week at .80 FTE or above; one day below .80 FTE.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), C.4
District · October 23, 2026SLPs at 0.80 FTE or more receive one day weekly of SLPA support. Below 0.80 FTE not addressed.District PDF p. 53
IEP release daysDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Three base release days per academic year for special educators who are teachers of record and elementary Resource Specialists. Mutually agreed dates; on-campus work. Additional release day/substitute for each five completed initial IEPs.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), C.1
District · October 23, 2026Two base release days for special educators who are teachers of record and elementary Education Specialists. Mutually agreed dates; on-campus work. Additional release day/substitute for each five completed initial IEPs.District PDF p. 53
IEP after-hours compensationDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026IEP meeting time beyond one hour after school dismissal paid at $70/hour.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), C.2
District · October 23, 2026IEP meeting time beyond an eight-hour workday paid at $80/hour.District PDF p. 53
Elementary IEP substitute coverageDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Substitute coverage to all elementary sites, including Tuolumne TK–8, for IEP meeting days based on site need.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), C.3
District · October 23, 2026The separate substitute-coverage provision for IEP/504/SST meeting days is struck. Base/earned IEP release days remain as described above.District PDF p. 53
Mainstreaming above the maximumDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026For TK–6, inclusion of three hours or more counts toward the class maximum, inclusive of lunch, prep, recess, and library. At maximum, teacher takes up to three additional mainstreamed students at $17 per student per day; beyond three, para support plus continued overage pay. District plans for inclusion and adjusts staffing or supports when inclusion would cause overages. FAPE requirement preserved.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), D.7–9
District · October 23, 2026For TK–6, inclusion of more than three hours counts toward maximum, excluding lunch, prep, recess, and library. More than two above maximum triggers an administrator meeting to determine support need. No separate $15 mainstreaming-overage paragraph remains. FAPE requirement preserved.District PDF p. 57
Inclusion equityDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Inclusive practices cannot be used to reduce staff. Equitable distribution of students with IEPs; relief for disproportionate shares, such as an aide, smaller class, or fewer secondary preps. Entire SDC rosters cannot be mainstreamed together into a prep-provider class with another general education class for scheduling convenience; individual IEP decisions govern.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), F.4–6
District · October 23, 2026Retains prohibition on using inclusive practices to reduce staff. Strikes the separate equitable-distribution/relief and whole-SDC-roster provisions.District PDF p. 63
Low-incidence workloadDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026At 1.0 FTE: VI 16 workload units; O&M 18; OI 20; DHH Itinerant and Adaptive PE 24 each, prorated by FTE. Eight service-minute bands range from 0.25 to 3.00 units. Separate service types scored independently; multi-site factor applies beyond two sites, capped at 3 additional units monthly. Exceeding headcount or workload standard triggers caseload review; consult-only safeguard also applies.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), D.2–3
Paraprofessional overage triggersDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Additional para for every 2 students above Highly Structured maximum, 4 above Functional Skills maximum, and 5 above Therapeutic Learning maximum. SELPA may add staff earlier at its discretion.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), D.4
District · October 23, 2026Additional para for every 4 students above Highly Structured maximum, 5 above Functional Skills maximum, and 5 above Therapeutic Learning maximum. SELPA may add staff earlier at its discretion.District PDF p. 57
Support-staff absence payDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026If required SLPA/para support is unavailable after each period of five consecutive full-day uncovered absences/vacancy, member receives the equivalent daily rate of an eighth-period assignment. Member submits claim; payment on the 15th of the following month.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), D.13
District · October 23, 2026Strikes the support-staff absence-pay provision.District PDF p. 61
Compliance trainingDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Supportive training/resources for compliance, including handbook, job-alike meetings, CDE guidance, PD, IEP forms manual, SEIS labs, newsletters, and resource lists. No counterpart to the District’s mandatory identified-noncompliance sessions.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), F
District · October 23, 2026For persistent IEP noncompliance, SELPA informs MTA and conducts mandatory PD/support during the professional workday, attended “without compensation” by identified members. Also retains supportive training and resources; both types appear in the packet.District PDF p. 59, 62
SLP / Nurse / Inclusion Specialist placementDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026From 2026–27, newly hired SLPs, nurses, and inclusion specialists hired on/after July 1, 2026 receive year-for-year qualifying-service credit and at least Step 3. Prospective only; no reevaluation of earlier hires or retroactive compensation. No work-year change.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), B.3.b
District · October 23, 2026From 2026–27, a 190-day calendar for these groups; year-for-year service credit upon hire and at least Step 3. Those hired after July 1, 2023 receive prospective step/column reevaluation, without retroactive compensation.District PDF p. 52
Prep restoration after an emergencyDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Covers behavioral emergency, safety concern, required presence, unavailable coverage, or other circumstances beyond teacher control. Notify administrator as practicable; identify date, missed time, and reason. Administrator may review/consult. If unrestored within 30 calendar days, time “should be tabulated, and a substitute will be provided.” Duty-free lunch protected.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), B.4
District · October 23, 2026Covers behavioral emergency or safety concern requiring teacher presence. Notify administrator and identify date, time missed, and reason; administrator may review/consult. If unrestored within 30 calendar days, time “should be tabulated, and a substitute will be provided.” Duty-free lunch protected; cash alternative struck.District PDF p. 52–53
Special educator prep and duty provisionsDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Named itinerants receive 60 minutes of prep weekly. Specified nonclassroom itinerants exempt from Back to School Night, conferences, and Open House; daily-class APE/VI attend Back to School/Open House for their majority assignment. Special education teachers receive at least 30 minutes’ duty-free lunch, excluding reasonable intersite travel.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), C.6–9
District · October 23, 2026Named itinerants receive 60 minutes’ prep weekly and the same listed event exemptions/APE-VI exception. At least 30 minutes’ duty-free lunch excludes intersite travel. Education Specialist prep commensurate with grade-span teachers of record.
Beginning in 2026–27, Education Specialists receive prep time commensurate with teachers of record in their respective grade spans. The District designates that time to include, but not be limited to: student assessment; service-tracker entries; drafting compliant IEPs; student observations; consultation with general education teachers about students on and off caseload; conferences with staff and parents about caseload and non-caseload students; team teaching and collaboration to prepare for it in general education classrooms; follow-up on special education referrals and staff recommendations or discussions about general education supports; reviewing records and student files; developing supports and adjusting curriculum for student access; progress reporting and progress on goals; and modifying curriculum and designing support lessons, activities, and materials for general education settings serving students on caseload. At the secondary level, this also includes work with counselors on graduation requirements and transition-plan components.
The proposal states that IEP completion “should occur within the professional workday,” including the described prep time and other special education duties outside instructional time but within the eight-hour professional workday.District PDF p. 54, 60–61
Beginning in 2026–27, Education Specialists receive prep time commensurate with teachers of record in their respective grade spans. The District designates that time to include, but not be limited to: student assessment; service-tracker entries; drafting compliant IEPs; student observations; consultation with general education teachers about students on and off caseload; conferences with staff and parents about caseload and non-caseload students; team teaching and collaboration to prepare for it in general education classrooms; follow-up on special education referrals and staff recommendations or discussions about general education supports; reviewing records and student files; developing supports and adjusting curriculum for student access; progress reporting and progress on goals; and modifying curriculum and designing support lessons, activities, and materials for general education settings serving students on caseload. At the secondary level, this also includes work with counselors on graduation requirements and transition-plan components.
The proposal states that IEP completion “should occur within the professional workday,” including the described prep time and other special education duties outside instructional time but within the eight-hour professional workday.District PDF p. 54, 60–61
Preschool special education prepDifferent proposals
MTA · July 31, 2026Article IV (Hours of Employment), I, states two 30-minute preschool SDC prep periods weekly; providers trained in best practices. After pilot Highly Structured teacher feedback, parties meet and confer on increased preschool special education prep. No separate preschool-programming section in Article XXV (Special Education).MTA: Article IV (Hours of Employment), I; Article XXV (Special Education)
District · October 23, 2026Half-day self-contained preschool and co-taught inclusive State Preschool: commensurate agreed prep/collaboration through prescheduled, mutually agreed site/SELPA release days. Full-day teachers follow full-day TK–6 prep/collaboration schedules.District PDF p. 65
Classroom support plansMatching terms
MTA · July 31, 2026TK–6: excluding speech-only IEPs and prep providers/CLTs, above 30% of class-size maximum triggers a support-plan meeting within 10 workdays of request. Grades 7–12: unbalanced class above 40% triggers the same timeline. Plans may include para support.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), D.5–6
District · October 23, 2026Same percentage triggers and 10-workday meeting timelines, with the same stated exclusions/conditions. Plans may include para support.District PDF p. 57
JSEC structure and release timeMatching core structure; scope wording differs
Correction, October 30, 2026: an earlier version of this comparison said the District struck the no-bargaining/agreement/joint-report restriction. That was wrong; the restriction survives. The strike removes the old report-back sentence and the proposed 2.5% stipend, which MTA also strikes. The downloadable October 30 PDF still contains the earlier statement.
MTA · July 31, 2026Equal representation, up to four appointees per side; quarterly meetings; release day as needed for each MTA member. Consensus approach. Committee has no authority to bargain, enter agreements, or issue joint reports/recommendations. Work includes caseloads, staffing, inclusion, and low-incidence workload.MTA: Article XXV (Special Education), G
District · October 23, 2026Equal representation, up to four appointees per side; quarterly meetings; consensus approach; and a release day as needed for each MTA member. Retains the restriction on committee authority to bargain, enter agreements, or issue joint reports/recommendations. Work includes caseloads, staffing, inclusion, professional development, and low-incidence workload. The introductory scope sentence says “This work includes the following”; MTA adds “but is not limited to.”District PDF p. 63–64
About this comparison
Status labels. Agreed identifies terms on which MTA and the District are in agreement. Matching terms identifies the particular terms that match in the proposal records. Different proposals identifies a stated difference, including an MTA proposal compared with the District’s status quo position. Each entry describes the terms being compared; the labels do not identify signed tentative agreements. The labels and the Key highlights table are website reading aids and do not appear in the PDF.
Sources and “Status quo.” This comparison uses MTA’s July 31 proposal set and the District’s October 23 packet, together with earlier District language carried forward and current status updates. Where a cell says “Status quo,” it describes the reported position to retain existing terms. Earlier proposal language is identified by its own date.
From the PDF. This MTA summary presents proposed terms; it does not identify signed tentative agreements. The underlying proposals control. “Not restated” means the October 23 packet does not reproduce the term; it does not mean withdrawn, rejected, or agreed. Some District terms incorporate earlier proposals. PDF references use the 93-page District packet’s file order, rather than its repeated printed page numbers. Matching language does not establish a signed tentative agreement.
Drafting clarification. The health reopener concerns District contributions in Article X (Health and Welfare Benefits), Section F. The Two-Year Deal’s reference to Section E needs correction. The $2,500/$3,500 stipend sequence follows the Two-Year Deal, rather than the unconformed stipend sentence in Article XXV (Special Education).
Sources. MTA: July 31, 2026 Two-Year Deal; Articles IV (Hours of Employment), V (Leaves), VI (Class Size), VII (Staffing Ratios), IX (Salary), and XXV (Special Education); Elementary Instructional Day Prep Pilot MOU; and April 6, 2026 Article X (Health and Welfare Benefits), as modified by the Two-Year Deal. District: October 23, 2026 MCS Counter Proposal Packet, 7:00 p.m., 93 PDF pages. Page links in the District column open the District packet at that page.
MTA Side-by-Side Comparison — October 30, 2026
Download MTA’s October 30 comparison as a printable PDF. Website status labels and the Key highlights table are additional reading aids and do not appear in that PDF. The underlying proposal documents control.
NEW: Salary, Benefits, and Contract Articles
Status: open. MCS counter-proposal exchanged October 23, 2026. No agreement has been reached.
MCS Counter-Proposal — October 23, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Updated salary and health and welfare contributions are only half the picture. Many important details are missing from the District’s email. Click the button below to read the full proposal for yourself.
93 pages. Beyond salary and health and welfare, the packet includes District proposals on Article IV (Hours of Employment), Article V (Leaves), Article VI (Class Size), Article VII (Staffing Ratios), Article XXV (Special Education), and an updated Elementary Instructional Day pilot MOU with sample schedules for Franklin, Fairview, and El Vista.
Elementary Instructional Day Pilot
Status: open. Proposals exchanged July 31, 2026. No agreement has been reached.
NEW: Update, October 23, 2026: MCS sent an updated pilot MOU and sample schedules as part of its October 23 counter-proposal packet (pages 3 and 66-93). The July 31 documents and the comparison table below reflect the earlier versions. Click here to read the updated MOU (PDF, starts at page 66)
MCS has proposed a pilot of an alternate elementary instructional day schedule at up to two elementary sites for the 2026-2027 school year, with planning in fall 2026 and implementation in spring 2027. MTA has responded with counter proposals. The two documents differ substantially on how sites are selected, whether members vote, what is paid, and how much of the instructional day is fixed in writing.
MCS Counter-Proposal — July 31, 2026, 8:30 a.m.
The District’s counter-proposal. 28 pages: six pages of proposed MOU terms, followed by sample bell schedules for Franklin, Fairview, and El Vista. Sets minimum daily instructional minutes, a 40-minute “Specials” block model taught by itinerant VAPA and PE teachers, and credentialing pathways for prep providers and CLTs.
Read the MCS counter-proposal (PDF, 28 pages, 1.2 MB)
MTA Proposal — July 31, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
MTA’s proposal, sent later the same day. Three pages. Conditions the pilot on a site vote of at least 65% of teachers voting in support, seeks to maintain current music programs, protects prep providers and CLTs from having to obtain a new credential, and guarantees each prep provider and CLT a dedicated classroom.
Read this one carefully. Several provisions are struck through. Struck text has been withdrawn by MTA and is not part of the proposal, including the $2,500 per semester stipend, the November continue-or-terminate vote, and the two-thirds threshold to continue the pilot. What is not struck through is what MTA is asking for.
Read the MTA proposal (PDF, 3 pages)
Historical comparison — July 31, 2026 elementary pilot proposals
Prepared by MTA staff as a reading aid. The documents themselves control. Where a cell reads Not addressed, that document is silent on the point — it does not mean that party opposes it. For the current comparison, which includes the District’s October 23 pilot MOU, see Side by Side: What’s Still Open above.
| Issue | MTA proposal (10:30 a.m.) | MCS counter-proposal (8:30 a.m.) |
|---|---|---|
| Which sites | Up to two sites, “as agreed upon by the parties based on site voting.” No sites named. | Up to two sites agreed upon by the parties. The named-site list is struck. The attached Franklin, Fairview, and El Vista schedules are examples, not a surviving restriction to those three sites. |
| Site vote to begin | “The threshold to implement the pilot schedule shall be no less than 65% of teachers voting in support.” Vote no later than the second week of November. | Not addressed. |
| Annual re-vote | Site “must hold a vote annually” no later than the end of the first week in May. Below 65%, the site “will revert to the schedule that was in use prior.” | Not addressed. |
| Site Leadership Pay | Site leadership meetings beyond the scheduled hour paid at $80/HR. | Not addressed. |
| Credentialing | “CLTs and Prep Providers shall not be required to obtain a new credential to deliver prep.” | Participating teachers must agree to an identified qualification pathway. Current teachers may qualify without obtaining a new credential through the described process. Committee on Assignments qualification is at no cost to the teacher. No corresponding $80 after-hours training rate is stated. |
| Order of subjects in the day | “Teachers have the discretion to determine the arrangement of content within the Instructional Day.” | “Teachers have the discretion to determine the arrangement of content within the Instructional Blocks, consistent with the parameters, including where ELD is placed.” |
| Minimum daily minutes fixed in the MOU | Not addressed. MTA’s proposal leaves the arrangement of content to the teacher. | ELA minimum 120 minutes; math minimum 75 minutes (K-2) and 90 minutes (grades 3-6); MTSS minimum 30 minutes; designated ELD minimum 25 minutes; PE 200 minutes every ten days. |
| Prep provider and CLT prep time | “a minimum of 24 hours of prep per year, in no less than 30-minute blocks.” | Itinerant (VAPA/PE) teachers “will have a minimum of 40 minutes of prep time per week.” |
| Dedicated classroom | Each prep provider and CLT “shall be provided with a dedicated, on-site instructional classroom.” “Cart-based instruction shall not be used in lieu of providing a dedicated classroom.” | Not addressed. |
| Band and orchestra | “At minimum, maintain current 4th-6th Band and Orchestra pull out programs. FTE shall be no less than current staffing levels.” | Grades 4-6 students who elect string orchestra or band “may be pulled out during the VAPA Special,” plus one non-prep day in the same block, coordinated so it does not interrupt Tier I core instruction. |
| Changing the schedule mid-pilot | Not addressed. | Site administration, in consultation with the certificated site leadership team, “is authorized to modify” the schedule with five (5) work day notice. Not authorized to extend work hours. |
| End date | Ends May 30, 2027, unless the parties agree in writing to extend. | Ends May 30, 2027, unless the parties agree in writing to extend. |
How to read these documents
- Check the footer of every page. It names the party that wrote the document and the date and time it was exchanged. Two documents dated the same day are not the same document.
- Silence in one document does not, by itself, establish acceptance, rejection, withdrawal, or current bargaining status. Some provisions incorporate earlier proposals.
- Struck text is shown as deleted in that version; read the surviving and replacement language together and check later proposals for current terms.
Questions
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