The Santa Barbara Teachers Association is calling for a seven-period schedule at junior high schools as part of its early negotiations for a new contract.

“We are really fighting to make our students’ experiences better,” said York Shingle, president of the teachers union.

The SBTA opened negotiations early for a new contract. The two sides have met three times to discuss a new contract.

The union is hoping to avoid a strained, tense situation like two years ago when teachers picketed and spoke out during public meetings calling for a new contract.

The current contract expires on June 30, 2026.

Shingle said that allowing seven periods gives students more options to take electives. It will allow students to have more options to take theater, music, dance, Spanish and other classes.

English language learners currently have to take a language development class in addition to an English course, which eliminates their chances to take an elective.

Shingle said that offering seven periods would equate to three to five new teachers per site.

The union also wants to cap the number of students that counselors see, which means hiring more counselors.

The teachers union proposed the creation of a school counselor case ratio not to exceed 250 students to one counselor. It proposed that each high school with an enrollment of more than 500 students shall be assigned an additional counselor.

Dos Pueblos High School counselor Susie Stone touted the success of counselors and supporting their efforts to help students.

“We’re seeing positive outcomes, increased graduation in A-G rates, narrowing achievement gaps, and improved college and career readiness,” Stone said at Tuesday’s school board meeting.

The teachers union is also asking for better treatment and pay of early childhood educators.

“My outlook on the beginning of this negotiation is positive and hopeful,” board chairman Gabe Escobedo said. “So far, the tone has been productive and focused on understanding each other’s proposals. My hope is that the process remains thoughtful and collaborative, especially as we navigate an uncertain fiscal landscape.”

Ed Zuchelli, spokesman for the school district, said that so far the talks have been collaborative as “both sides work together to find an agreement.”

Escobedo said he learned many lessons from years past.

“The biggest lesson I learned from our negotiations two years ago is the importance of clear communication directly from the board,” Escobedo said. “We have made it a priority to explain the reasoning behind our decisions so that SBTA and the community understand where we’re coming from.”

Shingle said he hopes the board and the district are sincere in their early efforts.

“I am pretty frustrated with how our district acts,” Shingle said.

He said he just wants the board and the district to be centered on students.

“We’re trying to fight to make our schools a better place for students,” Shingle said.