Local & Community
CVUSD Teachers Demanding 10% Pay Increase
The Coachella Valley Unified School District is once again in the spotlight as CVUSD teachers demand better pay.
“One of the big things that we are fighting for is 10% for salary increases and really what that is is because we want to recruit, train, and retain teachers,” said Christopher Smith, a CVUSD Special Education teacher and member of the Coachella Valley Teachers’ Association.
CVUSD began the current academic year with 55 vacancies affecting about 1,300 students.
“We were able to fill some of those vacancies. Now, we’re down to about 30 vacancies in our district, affecting approximately 750 of our students here in Coachella Valley Unified, and that really is unacceptable for CVTA,” said Smith.
The teachers’ union says a 10% salary increase is needed to keep teachers and compete with nearby school districts.
“Looking at the other two neighboring districts… they pay significantly higher than we do at this point, and that’s why we’re having a really hard time filling those vacancies,” said Smith.
So far, the board has only approved an 8% increase with a one-time $2,500 payout. But CVTA says it’s not enough. Union members are now engaging in “work to rule”.
“What we’re asking teachers to do, which is legal, is not accept any positions or jobs above and beyond their regularly scheduled work,” said Smith.
That includes not working during lunch or taking work home after school, and not offering sports, tutoring, or Saturday school.
“Those are things that we’ve been asked to stop at this point because it really shows the district that we are valuable and we make a difference in our students’ lives,” said Smith. “This really does impact the students when teachers stop doing all these extra duties.”
CVTA and CVUSD are currently in mediation. Members will attend the district’s board meeting on Thursday to offer testimony and further push the 10% pay increase, and they’re asking for the public’s support.
“We just ask the community to come out, help support us, be there with us. Your presence makes a difference,” said Smith. “We are worth the 10%. Your students are worth the 10%.”
We did reach out to the district for comment, but did not hear back. The CVUSD board meeting will be held March 30 at 5 p.m. at the district office in Thermal.
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 29, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings