The Duarte Unified School District (DUSD) and the Duarte Unified Educators Association (DUEA) are pleased to share that, after months of dedicated work, the parties have reached a tentative two-year agreement for the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 school years.
Negotiations for a successor agreement began in November 2024 and, following an impasse in September 2025, both teams continued to meet in good faith with a shared goal of supporting students, staff, and the Duarte community. Through collaboration, persistence, and mutual respect, the parties were able to reach an agreement that reflects meaningful progress for educators and the District as a whole.
Highlights of the tentative agreement include:
- An ongoing salary schedule increase
- An increase to the District’s health and welfare contributions
- Expanded preparation time for elementary teachers
- Class size reductions
- Placement of Career Technical Education (CTE) teachers on the certificated salary schedule
- Additional contract language improvements that support teaching and learning
“After tough but respectful negotiations, we were able to reach a tentative agreement thanks to our members’ unwavering support. This agreement represents real progress and a positive outcome for our educators, students, and community,” said Heather Messner, DUEA President.
“This tentative agreement reflects the strength of our partnership with DUEA and our shared commitment to investing in our educators while ensuring long-term stability for the District,” said Dr. Jessica Medrano, Superintendent of Duarte Unified School District. “We are proud of the collaborative spirit that made this agreement possible and look forward to the positive impact it will have across our schools.”
“I am grateful we reached this agreement. This agreement supports our teachers and keeps what is best for students and schools as our priority,” said Reyna Diaz, President of the Duarte Unified School District Board of Education.
In the coming days, DUEA will distribute the tentative agreement to its membership for a ratification vote. Upon ratification, the Duarte Unified School District Board of Education will consider approval of the agreement at a public meeting.
DUSD and DUEA look forward to continuing to build on this momentum and working together to support high-quality educational experiences for all Duarte students.