Dear Fremont Unified School District Board Trustees:

We, the undersigned, stand in solidarity with the 2,000 teachers, counselors, nurses, speech language pathologists, psychologists, program specialists, substitutes, and teacher librarians of the Fremont Unified District Teachers Association (FUDTA).

FUDTA has always advocated for the best education for all Fremont students. We know our students deserve a high quality and supportive learning environment , and that our District is a destination for many families seeking a great education for their children. To continue to provide the best education for all students and families in Fremont, today’s dollars need to be spent on today’s students. Our educators propose the following because Fremont Students Deserve the BEST:

Smaller Class Sizes, Individualized Support: Our students thrive in classrooms receiving individualized attention and support from their educator, which includes early readers in primary grades to Advanced Placement courses as students become college-ready. Currently, in our high schools and middle schools 56% of math, 58% of science, and 67% of social science classes have more than 30 students per class. The lack of action from the board regarding class size caps will only cause class sizes to continue to increase. Fremont educators demand smaller class sizes to invest in the future of our students.

Healthy Educators, Thriving Schools: Educators in Fremont are dedicated to their students, but currently our educators have NO paid health benefits, leaving their well-being and classroom stability at risk. Healthy educators mean healthier schools, better student outcomes, and stronger communities. Fremont must prioritize providing quality, affordable healthcare for all educators to ensure they can continue to support and inspire students every day.

Competitive Compensation for Educators: Fremont educators were once among the highest-paid in the area, attracting top talent and ensuring stability in our schools. However, compensation has now fallen behind, making it difficult to retain and recruit quality educators. Over halfway through this school year, hundreds of our students are in classrooms without fully credentialed teachers due to ongoing vacancies. Fremont Unified must prioritize educator pay so teachers can afford to live in Fremont and bring stability to our classrooms and our District.

Student Services and Special Education Supports: Students with disabilities and special circumstances deserve the resources, staff, and services necessary to succeed, just as all of our Fremont children do. Unfortunately, too many Fremont students are left behind due to persistent vacancies and inconsistent management policies. Prioritizing our students means establishing special education class sizes or ratios for specialists and the hiring of licensed special education teachers and support staff to ensure that every student receives the education and care they deserve.

After bargaining for over a year, FUSD has refused to prioritize students and their educators on any of the above significant issues. The Fremont teachers’ contract expired last year, on June 30, 2024.

You can demonstrate leadership as a school board trustee by bargaining in good faith and reaching an agreement that supports students, families, and educators. We are united in our demand for the best for all our Fremont students. It’s time for real investment in our schools—because Fremont Students Deserve the Best!

Sincerely,