The Twin Rivers Unified teachers strike enters its fifth day, affecting over 24,000 students, as district leaders and the union continue negotiations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The teachers strike impacting the Twin Rivers Unified School District entered its fifth day on Wednesday as district leaders and the teachers union return to the bargaining table Wednesday morning.

Negotiators from both sides reconvened as they work to determine next steps following a contentious school board meeting Tuesday night.

Crowds continued to grow throughout the morning, with many calling for an agreement and a return to the classroom. The ongoing strike is impacting more than 24,000 students in the district.

Teachers, parents and students were also back on the picket lines early Wednesday morning, including outside Grant Union High School in Sacramento.

Many of those participating said they attended Tuesday night’s tense board meeting, where the room was packed with people delivering public comments.

With teachers still on strike and substitute teachers filling in, some families and students say the classroom experience has changed since the strike began.

“Learning wise, I don’t know if there was, I was in my theater class all day practicing for our production, but I know that there was students leaving campus. There wasn’t a lot of learning,” said Jimena Peralez Guillen, a Grant Union High School student.

Concerns about the quality of classroom instruction were also echoed by a Grant Union High School parent and teacher.

“They’re spending time in the gym, random classrooms, no real content being offered, just credit recovery is what it’s called, which is pretty much sitting there with a computer. So no, he’s seen no value in going in, because his teachers, I mean, are physically out here,” Michael Cook said.

Despite the strike, all district campuses remain open for students.

District leaders have acknowledged the school day may look different during the strike but say staff will continue supervising students and providing educational activities throughout the day.

In a message to families Tuesday, the district also pushed back on claims from the teachers union that district leaders are mismanaging funds. District officials say they are legally compliant with state spending rules and argue their financial approach has kept the district stable.

Meanwhile, negotiators remain at the bargaining table as the strike continues.

Sacramento teachers walk out: Twin Rivers strike explained

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