LOS ANGELES (March 30, 2026) — Today, Los Angeles Unified acknowledged the release of the independent Fact-Finding Report issued in connection with ongoing negotiations with United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA). The District appreciates the report’s balanced, fiscally responsible framework and the work of the neutral chair in providing recommendations to help move the parties toward resolution.
The Fact-Finding process, conducted under California’s Educational Employment Relations Act, serves as an extension of collective bargaining and offers non-binding recommendations to help bridge remaining differences between the parties.
Summary of Key Findings and Recommendations
The independent report reflects a review of the District’s financial position, the parties’ proposals, and statutory criteria, including the interests of students, employees, and the long-term fiscal health of the District.
- Sustainable Compensation Approach
The Fact Finder recommends a compensation package that prioritizes meaningful salary increases while maintaining fiscal responsibility:
- 2025–26: 3% one-time, off-schedule payment
- 2026–27: 8% ongoing salary increase
- 2027–28: 3% ongoing salary increase
This approach recognizes the importance of competitive compensation without over-reliance on one-time funds or reserves for ongoing obligations—an approach the report identifies as unsustainable.
- Three-Year Agreement for Stability
The report recommends a three-year contract (2025–2028), providing stability for students, families, and employees, with limited reopeners for non-compensation items in the final year. - Focus on Long-Term Financial Health
A central finding of the report is the importance of aligning ongoing expenditures with reliable, ongoing revenue. The Fact Finder cautions against relying on reserves or uncertain future funding (such as potential Proposition 98 increases) to support permanent salary commitments, noting that such strategies could jeopardize the District’s financial stability. - Consideration of Total Compensation
The report emphasizes that total compensation, including recent agreements impacting health and welfare benefits, must be considered when evaluating affordability. These obligations, funded from the same general fund as salaries, are a significant factor in determining sustainable compensation levels. - Parental Leave Improvements
The Fact Finder recommends adopting a four-week paid parental leave benefit, followed by the use of accrued leave, expanding support for employees while maintaining operational feasibility. - Artificial Intelligence and Job Protections
The report supports the establishment of clear guidelines around the use of advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, ensuring it is used to support instruction and not to replace bargaining unit employees or compromise privacy. - Preservation of Progress and Status Quo on Remaining Items
While recognizing progress made on numerous contract articles, the report recommends maintaining the status quo on unresolved issues not addressed within the core proposals, allowing the parties to focus on reaching agreement on the most significant items.
Recognition of Progress to Date
The report highlights that the District and UTLA have already reached tentative agreements on numerous articles, reflecting meaningful collaboration over the past year of negotiations. These agreements will be incorporated into the final contract upon settlement.
Commitment to Resolution
LAUSD remains committed to reaching a fair and responsible agreement that supports employees while safeguarding the District’s ability to serve students now and in the future.
The Fact-Finding Report did not include an exhaustive analysis of the District’s financial position, acknowledging the complexity and scope of such a review. Since early September, Los Angeles Unified repeatedly offered to participate in an independent financial review by a jointly selected fiscal expert, providing both parties with a shared, objective understanding of available resources and long-term fiscal obligations. As part of its good faith efforts in negotiations, this offer reflects the District’s ongoing focus on transparency, accountability, and reaching a responsible agreement grounded in accurate financial data. UTLA has declined this offer.
The District will continue working in good faith with UTLA to reach a final agreement that reflects shared priorities and ensures stability across Los Angeles Unified schools.