Board Approves Teacher Raise, Safety Plans as State Budget Clouds Loom

The Orinda Union School District Governing Board moved through a packed agenda Feb. 9, ratifying a 2.75% teacher salary increase, approving school safety plans for all four campuses, and accepting a clean financial audit — all against the backdrop of a governor's budget proposal that could shortchange districts like Orinda by billions. A lively presentation by transitional kindergarteners and a community tribute to a retiring facilities director bookended the business of the evening.

• Teacher contract ratified with 2.75% ongoing raise and resolution of class size grievance

• Governor's proposed Prop 98 "settle up" maneuver could withhold $5.6 billion from schools statewide

• Clean financial audit accepted with one compliance finding on expanded learning program

• School safety plans approved amid wildfire evacuation concerns from a Glorietta grandparent

• After-school program now serves up to 219 students per site daily, generating over $3 million in fees

• Orinda Intermediate School (OIS) 30s wing modernization clears state approval, entering pre-construction pricing

Why it matters: The agreement sets compensation for Orinda's teachers and counselors for 2025-26, resolves a simmering dispute over class sizes at Orinda Intermediate School, and has been certified as fiscally sustainable by the county.