Twin Rivers Unified School District officials said Sunday they reached a tentative agreement with the teachers union, ending a 12-day strike and clearing the way for students to return to class Monday.
The district said it had reached a tentative agreement with the teachers union to end the strike, which had disrupted learning for the district’s 25,000 students since March 5. The district includes 49 schools in North Sacramento, North Natomas, Del Paso Heights and North Highlands.
The strike followed days of stalled negotiations, with both sides at an impasse over pay and health care benefits.
“While this agreement is not yet final and remains subject to ratification,” the district said in a statement, “it represents meaningful progress toward supporting our educators and maintaining a strong, stable learning environment for our students.”
Officials from Twin Rivers United Educators, representing the teachers, said in a statement that the tentative deal includes 7% in raises over two years — 4% in the first year and 3% in the second — along with a $4,000 bonus and fully paid family health care benefits retroactive to July.
Cassie Harvey, a parent and para-educator, center left, and Amanda Rayls, center right, hold signs as they join more than a thousand teachers and parents rallying at the Twin Rivers Unified School District office Friday. RENÉE C. BYER rbyer@sacbee.com
The union had sought higher raises and fully paid benefits, while the district previously offered smaller increases and partial health care coverage. District officials had said meeting union demands could cost more than $23 million and potentially require program cuts or layoffs.
“Our members stood strong for 12 days and fought for fully funded classrooms. With these investments we’ve made important progress in ending the staffing crisis,” said TRUE President Brittoni Ward in a statement. “This contract is a massive shift in how our district prioritizes students and classrooms.”
The walkout, which began March 5, left students in gyms and auditoriums without regular instruction and drew calls from local lawmakers for a resolution.
The school district thanked staff and families for their support during the first strike in its history.
“We appreciate the patience, collaboration, and commitment shown by our staff, families, and community during this time,” it said.
This story was originally published March 22, 2026 at 5:37 PM.