RIO LINDA — Efforts to resolve the ongoing strike in the Twin Rivers Unified School District (TRUSD) intensified Tuesday as Assemblymember Maggy Krell convened a “productive” negotiation session between district officials and the teachers’ union.
The two sides are scheduled to return to the bargaining table today, Wednesday, March 18, at 3:00 p.m., at the district office.
Tensions Peak at District Office
The push for a resolution follows a day of significant activity at the TRUSD headquarters on Dudley Boulevard. More than 1,000 educators were joined by approximately 100 parents who entered the district office courtyard to demand a contract agreement.
Twin Rivers United Educators (TRUE) members have been on strike since March 5. The union cites a “staffing crisis,” pointing to 80 remaining educator vacancies as evidence of divestment from the classroom. Union President Brittoni Ward expressed optimism following Tuesday’s talks, stating the group is “encouraged by the conversations” and noting that community support for the educators appears to be growing.
The Financial Divide
While both sides expressed a desire to see teachers back in classrooms, they remain divided on the district’s financial capacity.
The Union’s Position: TRUE argues that the district has failed to meet a legal obligation to spend at least 55% of its budget on classroom instruction. They contend that the current staffing shortage is a direct result of this fiscal policy and are calling for a contract that “fully funds classrooms.”
The District’s Position: TRUSD officials have pushed back against what they call a “false narrative” regarding the district’s reserves. According to district data:
- TRUSD projects a fund balance of 10.46%, which they note is significantly lower than the state average of 24.36% for unified districts.
- District leadership warns that meeting the union’s full proposal would require “significant reductions” elsewhere, potentially leading to larger class sizes, cuts to mental health supports, and staff layoffs based on seniority.
- Officials maintain that pandemic-era funding was used for district-wide construction projects rather than being “hoarded.”
What’s Next
A community rally is scheduled for today at 11:00 a.m. at the district office (5115 Dudley Blvd) in North Highlands. This rally will precede the 3:00 p.m. negotiation session.
The district has made its budget reports and multi-year projections available online for public review, emphasizing that their goal is a “sustainable” agreement that avoids future structural deficits.
Rio Linda Online will continue to provide updates as negotiations progress.
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