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After weeks of talks and negotiations, even ones including outside mediators, the Brea Olinda Teachers Association and the Brea Olinda Unified School District have finally agreed on salary terms for the teachers.
So there is no chance of the teachers walking picket lines instead of walking into their classrooms.
“I am pleased to share the teachers agreed to a 2-year agreement, pending board approval on May 9,” Superintendent Brinda Leon said via email.
What the teachers agreed to accept is a 2.40% on-schedule increase, retroactive to July 1, and a 1.60% on-schedule increase, effective from April 1. There is no off-schedule increase, or bonus.
The district’s offer was a 4% increase, a combination on-schedule and off-schedule compensation. While BOTA’s request was for a 4% on-schedule, plus an off-schedule increase. So there is no bonus, but the raise is retroactive in the two-year agreement. Seems like an acceptable compromise.
But the best part is that they came to an agreement without the teachers having to going out on strike, especially so close to all the students’ last day of school, May 31.
May 31 is also graduation day for both Brea Olinda High School and Brea Canyon High School. No more getting out of school in the middle of June. And, they go back on Aug. 15. Maybe the old song, “See You in September” needs to be updated.
Something very much updated is AUsome Resource Market’s Rise of Inclusion Celebration, which will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 4 at Fullerton Free Church, 2801 N. Brea Blvd.
There will be more than 50 vendors, assorted food trucks, music by DJ B. Diamond, games, family activities and kid-friendly, interactive fun for all, including neurodivergent kids. There will even be a chance to meet Star Wars characters.
Rise of Inclusion sounds like a fun event for everyone. And entrance and parking are free.
It all started with AUsome Sauce, a nonprofit organization founded by Sarah Watkins, whose young son is autistic. The organization lends support, resources and activities for families with members whose brains work differently. Check out there website: AusomeSauce.org.
Springtime means lots of fun activities in Brea.
Mark your calendar for the annual Brea Bonanza Days Country Music Festival May 17, 18, 19 on Birch Street, Brea Downtown. Grab your boots, your 10-gallon hat and get ready to line dance to cool country bands all weekend long.
Free admission and parking, plus plenty of food and drinks available. Go to BreaDowntown.com for the days and times your favorite country singers will be on stage.
Do you know how Brea’s Bonanza Days got started? According to Linda Shay, Brea Museum executive director and curator, the Brea Lions Rodeo began in 1952 and in 1968 it became Bonanza Days.
“There was a pancake breakfast, picnic and a carnival,” said Shay. She added that there was also a Bicentennial Bonanza Parade on Brea Boulevard in 1976.
And don’t forget to come to Brea Downtown at 5 p.m. on May 23 for the Brea Chamber of Commerce’s annual Taste of Brea, featuring tastes from many restaurants, wineries and breweries.
Go to BreaChamber.com for ordering tasting tickets and more information.
Why not buy Mom a Taste of Brea ticket for Mother’s Day, May 12? Save $10 if you order it by May 22. Better get one for Dad, too.
Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at daxoncomm@gmail.com.
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