The Petaluma Federation of Teachers has filed for impasse in contract talks with Petaluma City Schools, asking the state Public Employment Relations Board to assign a neutral mediator, the Petaluma Argus-Courier reported.
Why it matters: More than 400 certificated employees have gone over a year without a new contract or raise, and the union says newer teachers earn about $65,000, which it calls not a livable wage in Sonoma County.
Where the offers stand
According to the district's Oct. 13 message to families, its latest offer was either a 2% raise for 2025-26 and 1.5% for 2026-27, or 1% and 2.8%. The union countered with 2.3% and 2.7%, or 2% and 3%, the Argus-Courier reported.
Superintendent Davina Goldwasser said the district did not feel talks were at impasse because it kept bringing counteroffers. The district said declaring impasse does not end negotiations, and no date has been set for the next step. KSRO also reported the filing.
Budget backdrop
A $129-a-year parcel tax meant to boost teacher pay failed in November 2025, and the district made $6 million in cuts for 2026-27, the Argus-Courier reported. The district has hired School Services of California to review its finances. Talks with the classified employees union, CSEA, are also stalled.
Sources: Petaluma Argus-Courier; KSRO.