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PEA - A Few Questions and Answers
(Updated 12/1/25)
1.What does PEA think about all the Reddit posts regarding PUSD leadership?
PEA does not contribute to and has no control over the Reddit posts and comments. We do not share Reddit on our website or social media.
2. Who is Uniserv and why are they here "causing conflict?"
Teachers pay union fees that include representation from uniserv. They were established by "localized service to rural chapters that would normally be serviced out of Fresno or Bakersfield." They are associated with California Teachers Association and National Education Association. They are not causing conflict, rather providing legal and knowledgeable support for PEA. For more information about their services please click here!
3. Is it really true Porterville Teachers work more than any others teachers?
Yes. Teachers work more contract time and instructional minutes compared to surround districts. Please look at this document for reference.
4. Is it true that in recent years Porterville teachers have received smaller increases in pay and benefits compared to surrounding districts?
Yes and no. When compared to nearby districts such as Lindsay, Burton, and Tulare City, Porterville teachers have received smaller percentage increases. We just recently settled with the district, but our increases are still falling behind.
In terms of benefits, PUSD contributes the highest dollar amount toward insurance, but that doesn’t mean teachers receive better coverage. Unlike neighboring districts that are part of the Self-Insured Schools of California (SISC), Porterville’s insurance is locally controlled. In recent years, costs have exceeded the district’s capped contribution ($18,500 in 2023–24). As a result, teachers had to pay an extra $800 last year. Thankfully, PEA and the district where able to come to terms and settle for $20,000 for 2025-2026. It is important to note that starting in 2026-2027, the district contribution will drop down again to $18,000.
Overall, PEA is calling for both a change to a more stable plan such as SISC and raises comparable to neighboring districts.
5. Is it really true that kindergarten to third grade levels classroom sizes can be 30+?
Yes! Teachers can have classroom sizes 30 or more in a classroom for early stages of development for children & beyond! Please look at this document below for reference.
6. Been hearing rumors the middle school students and teachers do not have a brunch break?
Yes! Most days, teachers and students start school at 8:30 AM and don’t have lunch until 1:00 PM. PUSD is the only district in the area that does not provide a brunch break for middle school students and staff. Additionally, PUSD middle schools exceed the state’s required 54,000 instructional minutes per year by 9,030 minutes — averaging about 50 extra minutes per day.
7. Is it true that a teacher can suspend a student for up to two days?
Yes, but it depends. According to Ed Code 48910: (a) A teacher may suspend any pupil from class, for any of the acts enumerated in Section 48900, for the day of the suspension and the day following. The teacher shall immediately report the suspension to the principal of the school and send the pupil to the principal or the designee of the principal for appropriate action. If that action requires the continued presence of the pupil at the school site, the pupil shall be under appropriate supervision, as defined in policies and related regulations adopted by the governing board of the school district. As soon as possible, the teacher shall ask the parent or guardian of the pupil to attend a parent-teacher conference regarding the suspension. If practicable, a school counselor or a school psychologist may attend the conference. A school administrator shall attend the conference if the teacher or the parent or guardian so requests. The pupil shall not be returned to the class from which he or she was suspended, during the period of the suspension, without the concurrence of the teacher of the class and the principal.
(b) A pupil suspended from a class shall not be placed in another regular class during the period of suspension. However, if the pupil is assigned to more than one class per day this subdivision shall apply only to other regular classes scheduled at the same time as the class from which the pupil was suspended.
UniServ “Notice of Student Discipline” Form (August 2024) (if needed, please contact peatestimonies@gmail.com!)
8. A teacher friend told me if there is not enough substitutes at my school site, teachers need to cover during their prep?
According to our currently Collective Bargaining Agreement, yes. BUT, according to the contract language ONLY 6 times per year: 28.6.3 All teachers in grades 1-12 may be required to substitute during his/her preparation period, and such substitutions shall not exceed six (6) times per year. Pay for period substitutions shall be as per 28.5 per period. 28.5…compensated at the rate of .00067 X A-1 ($67,408 x .00067 = $45.16) on salary schedule per hour. [added language - Salary will increase to this in next pay period (November 2025) A-1 - $69,403 x .00067 = $46.51.]
Also, teachers get paid their hourly rate meaning if teacher sub's during a 50 minute period they will get paid $37.50 not the full hour of $45.16.
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