Striking Little Lake City School District teachers and the district resumed negotiations Monday on the heels of Sunday’s emergency school board meeting where in a unanimous vote a new interim school superintendent was selected.
On Friday, the former superintendent of the Little Lake City School District, Jonathan Vasquez abruptly moved up his retirement date to Monday, according to the union representing the district’s striking teachers.
Jonathan Vasquez had previously said he would leave in the summer, according to the Little Lake Education Association.
The departure of Vasquez prompted the Little Lake City School District Board of Education to call an emergency meeting Sunday where they selected long time administrator, Monica Johnson as the new interim superintendent.
There was no immediate response at the district headquarters after the close of business Friday and it has not updated its online teachers negotiations in more than a week.
The strike began April 16 after 94% of union members voted to authorize a strike.
Union officials said the dispute centers on proposed midyear health care changes that could increase some employees’ monthly costs to as much as $1,400, which they contend amounts to a pay cut. They are also calling for smaller class sizes and more support for special education programs.
The district has not provided comments or a negotiation update since Sunday. The strike began last Thursday.
The district, headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, serves students in portions of Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk and a small part of Downey.
Teamsters Joint Council 42 President Victor Mineros issued a statement Thursday voicing support for the striking teachers.
“These educators shape the future of our communities every single day. They show up for our children, teach them, guide them, and prepare them to lead,” Mineros said.
“In return, the district has chosen to undervalue their work and push many to leave the community, and even the profession. Their fight is about dignity. It is about respect. It is about securing a fair contract that provides affordable healthcare, protects class sizes, and delivers the support students with special education needs deserve.”
Earlier this month, 94% of union members voted in favor of authorizing a strike.
Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez previously said officials were working to reach an agreement while maintaining financial stability.
“Our teachers and staff are at the heart of our district, and we remain committed to reaching an agreement that reflects their contributions while ensuring the long-term stability of our schools,” Vasquez said.
“The district strongly disagrees with the characterization that we are not investing in classrooms or student supports. Our budget reflects ongoing investments in instructional programs, special education services, and student interventions. At the same time, we must balance these priorities with our legal obligation to maintain fiscal solvency, including meeting the state-required reserve levels.”
Union officials also said they filed an unfair labor practice charge, alleging the district improperly asked educators to disclose their strike intentions.
“They’ve spent millions on outside contractors instead of investing in our classrooms,” Pilios said in an earlier statement. “Our students deserve better, and we refuse to accept cuts that harm both educators and the learning conditions our students depend on.”
The union is also seeking to recall all five members of the district’s Board of Education.