Two union organizations have settled on a new collective bargaining agreement following a Gustine Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted in favor of it on Feb. 10.
Gustine-Romero Teachers Association and the Confidential Management group will see benefits in its labor contracts, including a 2% salary increase for each organization. In an email to the Westside Connect, Superintendent Bryan Ballenger stated that competitive compensation was a priority for both organizations and GUSD to maintain stability and avoid staff turnover.
“We approached negotiations with a responsibility to ensure long-term fiscal stability and preserve our ability to meet ongoing obligations,” Ballenger wrote. “Ultimately, both parties recognized balancing fair compensation with fair compensation with fiscal stewardship.”
He later wrote that both the district and GRTA took into account cost-of-living adjustment percentages, the district’s multi-year financial projections, rising operating costs and ongoing obligations.
“The 2% increase represents a balance between recognizing the professionalism and dedication of our employees and ensuring the district remains in a stable financial position years ahead,” Ballenger wrote. “The agreement reflects thoughtful consideration of available revenues, projected expenses, and the district’s responsibility to remain fiscally solvent while continuing to invest in staff and student success.”
GRTA has negotiated with GUSD for a new contract since October 2025. The agreement will focus on the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. Other than a salary increase, the union will see a 1.72% increase in insurance coverage, an $500 cap increase in health and welfare benefits, 2% increase in employee benefits and 23 staff positions will receive stipends of $20,000 in savings.
Confidential management which includes chief business officer, technology coordinator and business manager will receive the same insurance coverage increase, health and welfare benefit caps and employee benefits as the GRTA.
