Unions

‘Grand bargain’ would feature higher pay and increased accountability.

Will districts demand reform in exchange for needed raises?

Debate is focused on a pay-for-performance program but benefit costs loom in the background.

Every California teacher could see an immediate pay boost of $10,250 per year, if not for the state’s massive pension debt. Yet the Los Angeles teacher strike deal kicks the can on that crucial issue.

From 2001 to 2016, the Los Angeles Unified School District increased overall spending by 55.5 percent, but employee benefit costs soared 138 percent.