Hundreds of teachers across the Sacramento Unified school district walked out of their classrooms and onto picket lines last week for the first time in 30 years, staging a one-day strike alleging unfair labor practices by the California district.
The district, which serves 42,000 students, told parents in advance that its 75 schools would be open and classes would be appropriately staffed.
The strike adds to the extreme pressure faced by the district, which is under the threat of state takeover as it attempts to close a $35 million budget gap.
The Sacramento City Teachers Association, which was on the verge of striking 18 months ago before a last-minute deal was brokered, voted overwhelmingly last month to strike, arguing that the district is not honoring that 2017 agreement. The district maintains it is working with the union to abide by its understanding of the contract.
The teachers’ union said it was forced to strike because the district was not honoring its contract that included reducing class sizes and improving student services.