The Fresno Teachers Association, a California-based teachers' union, has threatened to strike if the Fresno Unified School District does not comply with their demands, which include allowing homeless individuals to use high school parking lots.
The union's ultimatum, which includes a request for $500,000 to cover security costs, was part of their "last, best, and final" contract offer submitted to the district superintendent.
Nikki Henry, Chief Communications Officer for the Fresno Unified School District, stated to Fox News, "We do not plan to open our parking lots as FTA is demanding." She further clarified that the district's expertise lies in "education, not housing." Henry added, "While we are committed to ending homelessness, we are doing so through our realm of expertise and partnering with those whose realm of expertise is housing."
Henry also highlighted the district's ongoing efforts to support homeless youth through Project ACCESS, a program offering emotional, academic, and financial assistance.
Manuel Bonilla, President of the Fresno Teachers Association, who presented the contract offer to the district superintendent, stated to Fox News that the parking lot issue is not a "major sticking point" and has not been a focus of negotiation discussions. "Is it the school systems job to fix everything in regards to societal things? Absolutely not," Bonilla said. "There are ideas on how we might do it because nobody else is thinking about these things."
The union's additional demands include $1 million for clothing and school supplies, $1.75 million for a food pantry with hygiene products, and $20 million to address student homelessness. The union also requested $1 million for free yoga, meditation, and low-impact exercise programs, and a daily pay of $500 for substitute teachers.
Bonilla expressed frustration with the district's response, stating, "Instead of coming to the table and designing something with us, theyd rather scrutinize the idea and shut down the conversation. Our ideas are not the end all, be all; they are a starting point."
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Henry reassured that the district is "well-prepared and will ensure that [the] schools stay open, safe, and full of learning." She further stressed that students "cannot afford another school closure after the pandemic."
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