GUSTINE, Calif. — The Gustine Unified School District and California School Employees Association, Chapter #539, have reached a three-year agreement that outlines salary increases, expanded health benefits, and a one-time stipend for classified employees.

Announced jointly on June 25, the deal follows collaborative negotiations between district leaders and union representatives and covers the 2025–2028 school years.

Under the agreement, all classified employees will receive a one-time $2,000 lump-sum payment on June 30, 2026. The amount will be prorated for part-time and late-start employees based on full-time equivalency status.

The agreement also includes scheduled salary increases tied to state-funded cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). For 2025–2026, employees will receive a 1.84% raise—reflecting 80% of the projected 2.3% COLA—effective July 1, 2025. Similar increases of 80% of the funded COLA are planned for 2026–2027 and 2027–2028.

On the health benefits front, the district’s annual contribution will increase from the current $14,500 to $15,000 for the 2025–2026 year, then to $15,250 in 2026–2027, and $15,500 in 2027–2028.

In addition to compensation, the agreement includes updates to employee leave provisions, and the two parties will reconvene before September 1 to discuss workplace conditions related to technology and artificial intelligence.

“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting our classified staff while maintaining fiscal responsibility,” the joint statement read. “We look forward to continued collaboration and building on the trust established through this partnership.”

Superintendent Dr. Bryan Ballenger and CSEA Chapter President Helen Encinas signed the statement on behalf of their respective organizations.