Natomas Unified Prepares for Possible Teacher Strike

District approves emergency measures to keep schools open if teachers walk out

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Natomas Unified School District leaders have approved emergency measures to keep schools operating in case teachers go on strike. The district is one of three Sacramento-area districts where teachers are considering a walkout. The resolution gives the superintendent authority to hire replacement staff, reassign administrators to classrooms, and take other steps to maintain school operations during a potential work stoppage.

Why it matters

Teacher strikes can significantly disrupt student learning and school operations. Natomas Unified's preparations aim to minimize the impact on students and families if a strike occurs, though some parents argue the district should instead focus on improving conditions for teachers.

The details

Natomas Unified's resolution allows the superintendent to hire replacement certificated and classified staff at daily rates up to $600, reassign administrators to classrooms, offer extra pay to unrepresented employees who take on added responsibilities, and contract with outside individuals or firms to maintain school operations. Striking employees would face salary deductions, loss of retirement system credit, and be barred from campuses. The superintendent can also close schools, suspend extracurricular activities, and initiate legal action if student or staff safety is at risk.

  • Natomas Unified held a special meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2026 to approve the emergency measures.
  • The closest possible strike could happen in Twin Rivers Unified on March 5, 2026 unless a deal is reached.
  • Washington Unified teachers have already authorized a strike and have a fact-finding hearing scheduled for March 17, 2026.

The players

Natomas Unified School District

A school district in the Sacramento, California area that is preparing for a potential teacher strike.

Scott Dosick

A Natomas Unified school board member.

Dr. Robyn Castillo

The superintendent of Natomas Unified School District.

Micah Grant

The president of the Natomas Unified school board.

Nico Vaccaro

The president of the Natomas Teachers Association.

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What they’re saying

“The only reason why we are doing this, is to make sure we can keep our sites open and that our students have somewhere safe to go if we don't have all the staff we normally have.”

— Scott Dosick, Natomas Unified board member (abc10.com)

“This is not something I want to do. This is something I think we have to do.”

— Micah Grant, Natomas Unified board president (abc10.com)

“The teachers' working conditions are extreme in this district and I really stand with the teachers.”

— Jennifer Souza, Natomas parent (abc10.com)

“We are awaiting the fact-finding report to be released on Monday. It is good news that the district has agreed to come back to negotiations on March 3rd and March 4th and we hope that we are able to avert a strike.”

— Nico Vaccaro, President of the Natomas Teachers Association (abc10.com)

“I think the teachers definitely deserve the type of pay and recognition that they have been putting in and earning.”

— Mykhel Lee (abc10.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.