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Byron teachers authorize strike Educators want 5% raise; district offers 4%
Byron teachers picketed briefly outside Excelsior Middle School on Wednesday, April 13 after authorizing a strike if a contract settlement is not reached with the school district.
by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
BYRON The Byron Teachers Association (BTA) voted Monday to authorize a strike if a contract settlement is not reached with the Byron Union School District. “We do not have a date (for a strike),” said BTA President Kerry Hollister. “We only took a vote to authorize a strike. We hope it doesn’t come to that.” The vote was 98.5% in favor of the strike authorization, with one teacher voting against. Negotiations between the district and teachers have been ongoing, with BTA requesting a 5.07% salary increase and 3% off salary (one-time) compensation on Feb. 2 of this year.
Photo by Melissa van Ruiten
On Feb. 11, BTA rejected the district’s “best and final offer” of a onetime 4% salary increase, in hopes of still obtaining its goal of a higher percentage raise, calling it a costof-living adjustment (COLA). This brought negotiations to an impasse and an outside mediator was brought in.
“We are asking for COLA, and our district is not wanting to put anything on the salary schedule,” said Hollister. “They are looking at the long term and are worried about not being able to afford it long term. Our stance – and what we need to turn into the county – is a three-year outlook, and we
look good for that.” Byron teachers maintain they have not been given an adequate raise in some time, though they did receive a 1.5% salary increase for the 2019-20 school year, and a 2% increase for the 2020-21 school year, desee Strike page 18
Wilson joins state Assembly; replaces Frazier, who retired by Melissa van Ruiten Staff Writer
BRENTWOOD After the special election held on April 5, former Suisun City Mayor Lori Wilson has been sworn in as District 11’s new Assemblymember. The position was left vacant after former Assemblymember Jim Frazier resigned in late December 2021. Wilson’s was the only name to appear on the ballot. However Republican Erik Elness of Brentwood declared his intent to run as a certified write-in candidate a week before the special election. By the time polls closed on Election Day, Wilson had 97% of the votes. Results were not expected to be officially certified until April 14, but state
law allows for a pre-certification oath of office. “Thank you to the voters of Assembly District 11 for your confidence and trust. I am deeply humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to serve our communities in the state Assembly,” Wilson said. “From constituents who need help with state services, to challenges like rising homelessness, climate change, and keeping our neighborhoods and communities safe, I promise to work every day to deliver results for our communities, and to be a relentless advocate for every person who lives in our district.” Wilson’s 2018 win in Suisun City’s mayoral race made her the first Black woman to serve as see Assemblymember page 18
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Teachers, employees of the year named by Jake Menez Staff Writer
Byron Union School District and Knightsen Elementary School District have announced their recipients of Teacher of the Year for 2022, while Brentwood Union School District has announced Teacher of the Year in addition to other Employees of the Year. Byron Louise Colbert from Excelsior Middle School, Anna Rainey from Timber Point Elementary and Stacey Laucirica from Discovery Bay Elementary School were named Teachers of the Year. Colbert has been with the district for 31 years, according to a biography provided by the district, and teaches technology-centric classes, as well as yearbook, at Excelsior Middle School. Her colleagues “appreciate her for her kindness, knowledge of technology and willingness to always offer a helping hand.” Rainey, a kindergarten teacher, has been with the school district for 16 years and puts “countless hours” into preparing educational experiences for her students, according to the district. She said her favorite thing about being an educator is “being able to help students learn and love school.” Laucirica has helped to educate local students for the past see Teachers page 18
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