Education · Modesto, CA
Modesto Teachers Union, City Schools Fail to Reach Deal; Strike Vote Set Nov. 5
The third and final mediation session between the Modesto Teachers Association and Modesto City Schools ended Friday without an agreement, moving the dispute to a three-person fact-finding panel under California law. MTA President Jennifer McGrath confirmed the union will hold its official strike vote on Nov. 5, following a September preauthorization vote she described as being in the 90th percentile. Modesto City Schools presented a proposal including a 3% salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2025, an additional 3% for the 2026–27 school year, and annual district health contributions exceeding $27,000 by 2027. The union's key concerns include out-of-pocket healthcare costs of $1,211 to $3,454 per month for family coverage, teacher recruitment challenges, special education staffing, and class sizes. Both sides stated they remain willing to negotiate during the fact-finding period.