Hopes High for Talks on Teacher Contract

After nearly a year of negotiations on teachers’ contracts last year, union leaders and administrators in the Capistrano Unified School District are again starting contract talks--but this time with the hope of reaching a resolution more quickly.

“Historically, we have had horrendous negotiation sessions,” said Ric Stephenson, president of the Capistrano Unified Education Assn.

Last year’s contract was settled in May, 11 months after negotiations started. During the bargaining period, teachers picketed at Dana Hills and San Clemente high schools, and a new housing development in Laguna Niguel. Teachers at San Clemente High also boycotted the spring open house, nearly sparking an unfair labor practice charge from the school district, Stephenson said.

But this year, administrators and union leaders said they are taking steps to speed up the bargaining process and avoid the hostility brought on by last year’s delays. Union members are encouraging board members to become more involved in negotiations, and both sides have agreed not to hire outside bargaining consultants.

But union representatives will still be pushing for a 4% salary increase, in addition to the 3% cost-of-living adjustment included in the state budget allocations.

Although district officials have said state budget cuts may affect this year’s district budget, Stephenson defended the raise request, citing other nearby school districts such as Laguna Beach and Irvine unified, where teachers are asking for a 6% raise.

Meanwhile, district officials said they hope to include into contract discussions rules regarding workloads, in-service workshops, standards of teacher dress and acceptable conduct between staff and students.