We began bargaining our second contract in March 2022 and reached a historic agreement in March 2023. We couldn’t have done it without the support and solidarity of our amazing community.
Below, learn about key issues we advocated for in this contract.
our bargaining platform
We are working to ensure that PCS is a place where students are excited to spend their youth and teachers are excited to spend their careers.
preserve our student-centered mission
We seek to steward inclusive access to high quality education that protects our class sizes, classroom autonomy and a culture of learning in which all departments and disciplines are supported.
fair compensation for educators
In order to retain and attract a diverse group of the best educators, PCS teacher salaries must be competitive with other schools’ and commensurate with the cost of living in Santa Cruz.
community collaboration and transparency
Faculty and all other community stakeholders must have meaningful participation and voice in important school decisions and processes.
Why our work is important
After the tumult of the last three years, our students need a stable, supportive learning environment.
14 faculty left PCS during or at the end of the last school year; that’s 34% of our faculty.
Common reasons for faculty departure over the last two years:
financial hardship
burnout
FTE (full time equivalent) instability
difficulty finding and affording childcare
PCS is ranked as the #1 high school in Santa Cruz county (Niche), but by year 10, our teachers are the lowest paid. (Data as of winter 2023)
faculty voices
Read statements from our faculty members on the pressing issues facing our school community.
We’ve done our homework
Below, watch our bargaining team’s financial presentation by Jennifer Eskenazi, who teaches A.P. Statistics at PCS. Prior to becoming a teacher, Jenny worked in corporate strategy. She has tirelessly donated her time and expertise to help United PCS create a fair, sustainable salary proposal.