LOS ANGELES (Feb. 6, 2026) — Los Angeles Unified is pleased to announce that the District has reached a tentative agreement on economic reopeners for the 2023 through 2026 collective bargaining agreement with California School Employees Association Los Angeles Chapter 500, representing more than 4,600 classified school employees such as office personnel, library technicians, financial managers, payroll specialists, and other professional staff. This renegotiated agreement is subject to ratification by union members and approval by the Board of Education.
“Today’s agreement serves as an important milestone that reflects the power of collaboration and mutual respect,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Our classified employees are the heart of our schools and offices —supporting our students and families, staffing our libraries, maintaining student records, and ensuring employees receive their pay each pay period. This agreement recognizes their invaluable contributions while supporting the long-term stability of the District. Together, we are investing in the people who make our district run every day and reaffirming our shared commitment to students, families, and the future of Los Angeles Unified.”
The tentative agreement is part of the 2023-2026 collective bargaining agreement which included an economic reopener clause that allowed for specific financial terms to be renegotiated.
The tentative agreement includes a 10 percent wage increase over two years, with a 6 percent retroactive increase in 2024–25, and a 4 percent increase in 2025–26. In addition to salary increases, the agreement provides enhancements to longevity pay, bilingual differentials, and attendance incentives. It also includes salary adjustments for specific employee classifications.
“CSEA came to a tentative agreement with the District in reopener negotiations over wages for the school years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026,” Chapter President CSEA Los Angeles 500 Letesia Fox said. “We appreciate the District's motivation to engage in good faith, expeditious bargaining. This mutually beneficial tentative agreement provides meaningful changes that aligns with CSEA's core values and mission of improving the lives of our members, students and community. We look forward to our continued partnership and good faith bargaining with the District for our upcoming successor negotiations”
Los Angeles Unified values its partnership with CSEA Chapter 500 and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively to support students, families, and staff. Additional details will be shared following ratification and Board consideration.
“The success of our schools and our daily operations is dependent on our classified staff, such as our clerical support teams and library technicians,” Board President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Every elementary school deserves to have a fully staffed library so our students can access the books and information they need. I am proud of the CSEA members who have worked tirelessly to keep our campuses running. Congratulations to CSEA Chapter 500 and the District’s negotiating team for reaching an agreement that will continue to support our employees, students, and families.”
"The District acknowledges and respects the important work our LAUSD employees perform every day,” Board Vice President Rocío Rivas said. “I value the collaboration with CSEA Chapter 500 and our District teams in achieving this tentative agreement,"
"I applaud the tentative agreement with the District and CSEA Local Chapter 500,” Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill said. “We value our employees and know that when they are focused on serving our students, everyone is better for it."
“We are grateful for the tireless efforts of our CSEA employees—including the library and office technicians, nurses, and other clerical and office staff—who go above and beyond to support our students and families every day.” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “I’m glad we reached an agreement that honors their continued hard work.”
"Our schools and District are sustained by the essential contributions of classified personnel, including CSEA members, whose professional and technical expertise makes our educational mission possible," Board Member Karla Griego said. "This agreement affirms our commitment to valuing the dignity, labor, and lived experiences of every employee who supports our students, families, and communities."
“Our classified staff are an essential part of our schools and our offices," Board Member Kelly Gonez said. "I’m proud of the investments included in our agreement with CSEA in recognition of the incredible contributions they make to our school district."
“We’ve now come to agreement with another incredible labor partner, totalling over 7,000 LAUSD employees who can rest assured for the next two years (with an additional year of back-pay) that their compensation is better matching their dedication, expertise and the current times,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Add this to the unparalleled health care benefits investment and it’s clear that LAUSD leadership and our labor partners are proving that collaboration and focus can get results. I’m so grateful for the thousands of CSEA employees serving as office technicians, financial managers, library technicians and all who provide essential professional support that keep our school communities running each and every day!"
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