Pomona, CA — On March 18, 2024, Associated Pomona Teachers (APT) reached a tentative agreement for an 8% salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2023; a one-time, 4% increase retroactive to July 1, 2023; and an increase to the health and welfare benefit allotment of $500 for the 2023-24 calendar year. Earlier this year, APT rallied in front of Pomona Unified School District and spoke out at the PUSD school board meeting for a number of reasons, but low pay was at the top of the list. 

On Wednesday morning, March 20th, APT President Wei-Tsu Loh emphasized that "the agreement still has to go through a ratification process by members and the school board. With the 8%, our members will be closer to the salaries of surrounding districts. We will need the district to commit to improving our salaries and benefits in order to attract and retain highly qualified educators as well as classified and administrative staff."

While giving back to their community, a second year PUSD educator and Pomona resident, who remains anonymous stated, “I do not feel that the PUSD salaries are a living wage. With rent increasing, it is nearly impossible to live on your own with the amount paid as a second year teacher. I also have a ton of student loan debt, and unfortunately, I am not able to make payments towards my debt due to having to choose between paying the minimum payment or having funds for living expenses for the month. The 8% salary increase is great; however, I fear it is not enough to pay all that I need to pay in a month and have enough for myself. As it is, I am living paycheck to paycheck, so I am hoping that this 8% increase provides some breathing room while also allowing me to pay my student loan debt. Due to PUSD salaries, I have considered leaving the district, or at the very least leaving my position as a classroom teacher this year.”

Julian Lucas, is a photographer, a purveyor of books, and writer, but mostly a photographer. Don’t ever ask him to take photos of events because he will charge you an astronomical amount. Julian is also the owner and founder of Mirrored Society Book Shop, publisher of The Pomonan, founder of Book-Store, and founder of PPABF.