Every three years our district team and union teams engage in full contract negotiations.  During full contract negotiations, all sections or “Articles” are open to negotiation.  We completed this round of negotiations and our current Collective Bargaining Agreement, July 1, 2024-June 30, 2027, was Board adopted in January 2025.  

During the 2025-26, Valley of the Moon Teachers Association (VMTA) and the SVUSD Negotiations team will meet and limit the scope to a few Articles, making minor changes. Additionally, we will discuss Article 18 Health and Welfare and Article 15 Salary and Salary Schedule Placement.

SVUSD and VMTA begin 2025-26 Contract Negotiations on August 12, 2025.

Both teams came together with a shared commitment to respectful, constructive dialogue focused on what matters most - supporting quality education for all students.  

Collaboration in Action

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much". --Helen Keller

The first session was marked by a spirit of collaboration. SVUSD and VMTA are committed to transparent, solution-focused negotiations that benefit students, staff, and our community. 

The teams met for session #2 on August 26, 2025 and reached agreement on some changes to contract language.

Next Steps

SVUSD and VMTA will continue to meet once or twice a month. Session #3 will be in September. SVUSD and VMTA negotiations teams will put out a joint communication monthly on progress toward reaching an agreement.  

Raising Awareness, Saving Lives: Suicide Prevention in Our Community

As a school district, we believe that raising awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have to support student well-being. This September, during Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, we are continuing our strong focus on helping students, families, and staff recognize the signs of emotional distress—and know where to turn for support.

As part of this important work, our secondary schools will host “Connection is Prevention” events to promote belonging and encourage help-seeking behaviors. In addition, we will be providing in-class lessons for 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students, focused on emotional wellness, recognizing warning signs, and how to support peers. These efforts are grounded in the understanding that connected students are safer, healthier, and more resilient.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime for free, confidential support. 

Together, we can create a connected, informed, and compassionate community—one that looks out for every student.

Fall Sports Update At Altimira Middle School, the Fall Teams are off and running. Co-Ed soccer, Girls basketball, and Cross Country have been practicing for the past 3-4 weeks. They all started up their games last week on the road. League games will continue this week and go until mid-October. The Sonoma Valley High School Dragons fall sports season has been in full swing since August 11th. A whopping 265 student-athletes are participating on 16 different teams in nine fall sports programs (eSports, Boys & Girls water polo, Cross country, Girls Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Girls Golf, Cheer, Football and in Girls Flag Football).   While there have been many team and individual highlights, one in particular stands out. John Rounkle, 10th grader, who is being recognized by the North Coast Section for his sportsmanship on the Varsity Water Polo team. In a true display of leadership and sportsmanship, John stepped up without hesitation, swimming an opposing player (who had cramped up too bad to swim) safely to the lane line. This is a powerful reminder that athletics is more than wins and losses, it’s about compassion, respect and character, and we are so proud of our Dragon Athletes who are helping to lift this up this school year. Here is the link on the NCS website carousel: https://www.cifncs.org/landing/index. Game schedules for SVHS can be found here: https://svhs.sonomaschools.org/62368_3= In the Spotlight: Recognizing the Dedication and Excellence of SVUSD Staff Chris Brecht, Driver/Dispatcher, Transportation Q: How long have you been working for SVUSD? A: 10 years Q: What's a moment from your time at SVUSD that made you feel proud to work here? A: One of my most memorable experiences was being a listening ear for a student who was in foster care. I'll always remember when she came back to thank me for being there and for giving her a space to talk. We had some of our best conversations because she was always the last one on the bus. Q: Reflecting on your journey, who was a mentor or champion in your life who helped you get where you are today? A: Stacy Ledou, and Michele Silkey, I wouldn't be here today without them. Q: If you could share one piece of wisdom with our students—something you wish you had known earlier in life—what would it be? A:  What was right yesterday and right today is right tomorrow, and what was wrong yesterday is wrong today and wrong tomorrow. Q:What's a song that always puts you in a good mood? A: “High Hopes” - By Frank Sinatra Q: If you could have any superpower for one day, what would it be? A: To make the world a perfect place. Andres Carranza, Maintenance & Construction Specialist Q: How long have you been working for SVUSD? A: 21 years Q: What's a moment from your time at SVUSD that made you feel proud to work here? A: During the 2017 fires, we helped so many people who were displaced, and we saw the town and school district come together. Q: Reflecting on your journey, who was a mentor or champion in your life who helped you get where you are today? A: My mom always told me to do what's right, and if someone needs help, you don't turn your head the other way. Q: If you could share one piece of wisdom with our students—something you wish you had known earlier in life—what would it be? A:  Take advantage of every opportunity that is in front of you; time goes by so quickly. Q: What's a song that always puts you in a good mood? A: Songs from the Raider games, Blow the Whistle. Q: If you could have any superpower for one day, what would it be? A: Flying, but I hate heights. Connor Snow, Principal at Altimira Middle School Q: How long have you been working for SVUSD? A: 4 years Q: What's a moment from your time at SVUSD that made you feel proud to work here? A: At the beginning of the school year, our leadership students and Vice Principal March put a lot of effort into making our WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) day a success. It was great to see everyone come together and create a welcoming and fun experience for our new sixth-grade class. Q: Reflecting on your journey, who was a mentor or champion in your life who helped you get where you are today? A: I had a Vice Principal I worked with in Oakland who taught me always to remember to make sure you are here to support students and that they are at the center, and no matter how many problems are brought forward in the system, they are coming from a place of caring about students, and they show up in different ways. Q: If you could share one piece of wisdom with our students—something you wish you had known earlier in life—what would it be? A:  To always be willing to go after the things that you want and make you happy, even if others will judge you for it or make fun of you for it. Q: What's a song that always puts you in a good mood? A: “The magic position” Patrick Wolf Q: If you could have any superpower for one day, what would it be? A: Flying.