The Natomas Teachers Association said picket lines at all schools will start 30 minutes before the first bell rings at each site.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Natomas Teachers Association (NTA) says the Natomas Unified School District’s first ever strike will take place Tuesday, March 10.

The NTA says the move followed more than a year of bargaining, including negotiations that ran through the weekend. 

Picket lines at all schools will start 30 minutes before the first bell rings at each school site with a noon rally at North Natomas Regional Park.

“NTA is ready and willing to bargain for as long as it takes to reach an agreement that ends the staffing and affordability crisis in Natomas,” the union said in a news release.

On Monday, Superintendent Robyn Castillo and Micah Grant, the President of the Board of Trustees, urged families to prepare for potential disruptions but curriculum and meals will remain in place. She says after about a year of negations they have a strong offer on the table, which includes a 4% salary increase, meaningful improvements to health benefits and the option for a fully funded healthcare plan.

But the union president says the offer is misleading and unfortunate. 

“We have asked for 4.5% and 4% over two years. Their 4% is actually a 2% this year and 2% at the middle half of next year. So, you know if you do the math, that’s not 4%,” said Nico Vaccaro, president of the Natomas Teachers Association.

 The NTA represents more than 600 educators. The Natomas Unified School District serves more than 16,000 students.

Watch more from ABC10: Natomas USD sees historic teacher strike preparations

ABC10: Watch, Download, Read