Natomas educators are on strike for first time in district history

Natomas Unified teachers began striking Tuesday for the first time in district history, as educators push for higher salaries, fully paid family health benefits and smaller class sizes.

Members of the Natomas Teachers' Association (NTA), the district's teachers union, had signaled the possibility of a strike earlier this week when educators and some parents gathered outside the Natomas Unified School District headquarters with signs.

Natomas educators say the increases they are seeking would provide more stability for students and help retain teachers in the district. The NTA previously said more than 100 educators left the district last year for neighboring districts.

The district says a strike could have been avoided. In an update to the media Monday, Natomas Unified Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo said an independent fact-finding report determined the district's proposal — including a 4% salary increase and a 100% district-funded health plan option — is reasonable given the district's financial situation.

Schools remained open on Tuesday despite the strike, but the school day looked different for some families. To keep campuses open, the district hired about 230 substitute teachers on Tuesday, though roughly 660 educators are currently on strike.

Some parents chose to keep their children home in support of teachers.

"I have decided to keep my kids home today, in support of Natomas teachers," said Kelsey Elwell Taylor, a Natomas parent and substitute teacher.

Though, Elwell Taykor admitted she was concerned about potential disruptions during the strike.

"I just feel it's probably a little uncertain over there, possibly a little chaotic. I just felt safer for me, for them to be at home so I knew where they were," Elwell Taylor said.

Natomas Unified officials said attendance on the first day of the strike was roughly 50%.

Because state funding for schools is tied to attendance — about $81 per student per day — lower attendance could impact district funding if it continues.

District officials said they expect attendance to increase now that families know what to expect during the strike.

Some substitutes also chose not to work in solidarity with striking teachers.

"They offered up to $600, but I couldn't — that didn't sit right with me," Elwell Taylor said.

Despite the disruption, the district says students who attend school are being supervised and provided meals during the strike.

The district is urging teachers to return to the bargaining table as negotiations continue.