Educators with the Las Lomitas Education Association authorize strike

Educators with the Las Lomitas Education Association (LLEA) have overwhelmingly authorized a strike unless granted a 10% pay raise. LLEA members have been working without a contract since July 2023.

According to a press release issued by the Las Lomitas Education Association, LLESD has lost 11 teachers, which is over 11% of educators in the district in the last year. The press release continues: “As the gap in compensation widens between LLESD and neighboring districts, it becomes harder to attract and retain educators. LLEA members are now the lowest paid compared to nearby school districts, forcing unprecedented turnover rates for this community.”

“It’s about time district management reprioritizes educators instead of focusing resources on newly created administrative positions, salary increases for top administrators and administrative luxury retreats,” said LLEA Co-President Daniella Lefer.

“Management should be working with us to identify what is needed for our students, rather than investing in non-student-facing programs and initiatives. As educators, we don’t want to strike, but we will if it means putting students first, not last,” added LLEA Co-President Jennifer Montalvo.

Heather Hopkins, Las Lomitas Elementary School District Board President, issued a statement to parents clarifying a number of facts cited in the press release.

Photo shows Las Lomitas, one of two schools in the Las Lomitas School District; the other is La Entrada