Little Lake City School District teachers strike over health care, class sizes

Teachers at Little Lake City schools go on a strike

Unionized employees at the Little Lake City School District are on strike in the wake of an ongoing labor dispute. The district covers schools in Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk and Downey.

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. - Tensions between the Little Lake Education Association and district officials have culminated in a full-scale walkout, disrupting schools across Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk, and Downey. 

The strike represents the first major labor action for the 154-year-old Little Lake City School District in decades, following an overwhelming 94% vote by union members to authorize the protest. Teachers from seven elementary schools and two middle schools went on strike Thursday.

What we know:

Educators began picketing at school campuses early Thursday morning, followed by a mass rally and march to the district headquarters later in the day. Loud demonstrations outside district offices drew parents, many of whom expressed concern about potential increases in class sizes and impacts on special education programs.

The primary drivers of the strike include class size, special education funding and a proposed midyear change to health care benefits. District officials say they can no longer afford to fully fund health care as they have in the past. Union leaders counter that the changes would shift significant costs onto employees, with some plans reaching as much as $1,400 per month, effectively amounting to a pay cut.

Little Lake City School District strike underway

While the district maintains it is investing in student services, a 94% strike authorization vote by the union has led to picket lines and planned rallies.

One educator undergoing cancer treatment said she could not change insurance plans mid-treatment and could not afford the increased costs on her salary.

Beyond financial concerns, the union is calling for smaller class sizes and increased investment in special education and student support services.

The district has taken steps to mitigate the impact of the walkout. Earlier this month, the school board granted Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez the authority to hire substitute teachers at a rate of $500 per day — roughly triple the standard pay — to keep classrooms open. District officials told parents the higher pay is offset by not paying striking teachers.

What they're saying:

Union President Maria Pilios criticized the district’s spending priorities.

"They’ve spent millions on outside contractors instead of investing in our classrooms," Pilios said. "Our students deserve better, and we refuse to accept cuts that harm both educators and the learning conditions our students depend on."

Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez defended the district's position, emphasizing the need for "long-term stability" and fiscal solvency. 

"The district strongly disagrees with the characterization that we are not investing in classrooms or student support," Vasquez said. "Our budget reflects ongoing investments in instructional programs, special education services, and student interventions."

In a statement, the district said it remains committed to maintaining student programs while negotiating in good faith with employees.

"Our goal continues to be working collaboratively with our employees in a fiscally responsible manner to reach a resolution that supports both our staff and the long-term stability of the district," the statement said.

What's next:

The Little Lake Education Association has filed an unfair labor practice charge, alleging that district officials improperly pressured educators to disclose whether they intended to participate in the strike. 

As picketing continues, the district is under pressure to balance the union’s demands for classroom investment with state-mandated financial reserve requirements.

What you can do:

Parents and community members within the Little Lake City School District—covering portions of Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk, and Downey—should check official district communications for updates on school schedules and student safety. 

Families affected by the walkout can contact the district office for information regarding instructional packets or temporary classroom coverage provided by emergency substitute staff.