The San Ysidro School District Board of Education in September unanimously approved a collective bargaining agreement with the San Ysidro Education Association, acknowledging the dedication and talents of the District’s nearly 200 teachers and demonstrating the improving financial health of the District.

The agreement – which allows an average increase in teacher salary schedule amounts of 6 percent – is effective July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 and is the second pay increase members of the Education Association have received since 2007. In addition, the agreement includes an increase in health and welfare benefits.

“The overall financial health of our District has improved dramatically, due to a number of circumstances, including our strong commitment to making sound decisions that impact every facet of our organization,” SYSD Superintendent Julio Fonseca said. “Within the time frame of one year, the District has moved from a negatively certified budget to a qualified, and hopefully very soon a positively certified budget.”

Teachers did not receive raises from 2008 to 2012. A 1 percent schedule salary increase was offered in 2014-15.

Prior to securing Board approval for the pay raise, the District was required to project that its current year budget estimates would be sufficient to cover the increase in expenditures while maintaining the required 3 percent budget reserve for economic uncertainties.

“It is imperative we offer our teachers a competitive wage so that we can continue to attract and maintain the best, brightest and most qualified individuals to work within our District and provide our students with an excellent education,” SYSD Board President Antonio Martinez said. “I am thrilled that we were able to provide our teachers with the raise that they so deserved and we look forward to continuing to build a positive future for our school district.”