Natomas Unified Teachers Prepare to Strike Over Contract Demands

Teachers vote overwhelmingly to strike if district cannot meet their requests for competitive wages, benefits, and classroom supports.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Teachers in the Natomas Unified School District have voted to strike if the district does not meet their demands for higher salaries, fully-paid benefits, improved safety protocols, smaller class sizes, and increased special education support. The Natomas Teachers' Association (NTA) says the district has $45 million in reserves and can afford to raise teacher pay by 4-4.5% over the next two years to be more competitive with neighboring districts.

Why it matters

This potential strike highlights the ongoing challenges California school districts face in retaining and supporting teachers, with many leaving for higher-paying jobs in nearby districts. The outcome could set a precedent for teacher contract negotiations across the state as educators demand better pay and working conditions.

The details

The NTA says its members are paying up to $1,500 out-of-pocket for healthcare contributions, which is unsustainable. During the 2024-2025 school year, the average Natomas Unified teacher salary was just under $91,000, compared to $98,000 in the neighboring Twin Rivers Unified district and over $109,000 in Sacramento City Unified. The district says it has been reducing spending by cutting administrative positions and outside vendor services, but the NTA argues the district has the reserves to meet their demands without affecting student programs.

  • The Natomas Unified teachers voted 'yes' to a strike in a recent vote.
  • The district and union will enter the 'fact-finding' stage of negotiations on February 20, 2026.
  • The fact-finding panel has 30 days to issue its report, after which the teachers can legally strike two days later.

The players

Natomas Teachers' Association (NTA)

The labor union representing teachers in the Natomas Unified School District.

Nico Vaccaro

President of the Natomas Teachers' Association.

Micah Grant

President of the Natomas Unified School Board.

Natomas Unified School District

The public school district serving the Natomas community in Sacramento, California.

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What they’re saying

“This is the culmination of years of being disappointed and demoralized by the lack of support.”

— Nico Vaccaro, President, Natomas Teachers' Association (cbsnews.com)

“We, of course, want to support our teachers and credentialed staff, who are the backbone of our schools. What concerns us is when demands begin to overshadow local realities... Entertaining proposals that aren't fiscally sustainable would inevitably lead to cuts that directly affect students.”

— Micah Grant, President, Natomas Unified School Board (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The district and union will enter the 'fact-finding' stage of negotiations on February 20, 2026. The fact-finding panel has 30 days to issue its report, after which the teachers can legally strike two days later.

The takeaway

This potential strike in Natomas Unified highlights the ongoing challenges California school districts face in retaining and supporting teachers, with many leaving for higher-paying jobs in nearby districts. The outcome could set a precedent for teacher contract negotiations across the state as educators demand better pay and working conditions to prevent further staffing shortages.