Santa Rosa teachers push school board for raises

Santa Rosa City Schools teachers packed City Hall on Wednesday night to implore leaders of Sonoma County's largest school district to give them a raise for the first time in years.

Teachers have not received a cost of living increase since 2007-08, although many have earned increases based on experience and education. Teachers and other staff in the district also have had their pay cut because of furlough days.

Inflation has risen more than 10 percent since teachers last received a cost-of-living increase, according to Andy Brennan, president of the 900-member Santa Rosa Teachers Association.

Santa Rosa teachers are unique in having to pay for their health care out of their salary, a cost that for years has far outpaced compensation.

The issue was not on the agenda and was not debated by the board. Negotiations between teacher leaders and district staff are ongoing.