**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –– Berkeley Unified School District and Berkeley Federation of Teachers Reach Tentative Agreement**
The Berkeley Unified School District and the Berkeley Federation of Teachers are pleased to announce that they have reached a tentative agreement on a two-year contract framework covering July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
“This agreement reflects months of thoughtful engagement and a shared commitment to our students and community,” said Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel. “While the process unfolded within the very real funding constraints of California’s public education system, both teams remained focused on what matters most: strong classrooms, supported educators, and stable schools.”
The agreement includes ongoing salary increases of 3 percent in 2025–2026 and 3 percent in 2026–2027, along with a one-time bonus to be awarded following ratification. It also establishes a reopener should state funding exceed current projections.
In addition, the agreement provides a significant phased increase in the District’s contribution toward health benefits, offering meaningful relief from rising health care costs and expanded support for employees and their families.
“Our educators are excited that the district is making this important investment to ensure stable and consistent school communities,” said BFT President Matt Meyer. “We love our work and our students. This agreement makes it more possible to establish careers in Berkeley. We must also not forget that we are in this position because our state does not fully fund the education every student deserves. We call on the state to raise the revenues necessary for a thriving public education system throughout California.”
Superintendent Ford Morthel added, “It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that public education funding is stable, predictable, and adequate across our state. Locally, we remain committed to working respectfully and creatively with one another to reach solutions that strengthen our schools.”
The agreement is tentative and subject to ratification by BFT membership and approval by the Board of Education. Additional details will be shared following the ratification process.
In Community,
Enikia Ford Morthel
Superintendent
Berkeley Unified School District
Matt Meyer
President
Berkeley Federation of Teachers
