Ed Specialist Caseload Grievance Settlements: Settling past overages

In February 2026, after years of pressure, SDEA members won a settlement of several years of Special Education caseload grievances… along with a new contract with more enforceable caseload language.

2023-24 and 2024-25 School Years

*See note below regarding the 2025-26 school year

The District has compiled caseload data to pay Ed Specialists the settlement stipends they are owed for unresolved grievances for the 2023-24 and 2024-25* school years, and educators have the opportunity to cross-check the District’s data and correct errors if needed. Educators know their caseloads best! 

• SDEA Know Your Rights: Understand the grievance settlement payments and appeal process with this KYR flyer

• District Data: Check your caseload data and stipends owed, searching by your ID number – see the KYR flyer for tips on how to read this exhibit:
  District Exhibit: SPED Caseload Overage Data for 2023-2024 & 2024-2025 School Years

👉 Note: The District has shared that educators listed on the exhibit can expect to receive their payments by July 31, 2026. 

• District Appeal Forms: See an error that would change your payment? (Hint: Use flowchart below!) Fill out an appeal form for the year the error occurred. Deadline: August 31, 2026

• • Appeal Form: 2023-2024 School Year

• • Appeal Form: 2024-2025 School Year

Do I need to turn in an appeal form?

How do I know how much I am owed in this settlement?

2025-26 School Year

As this school year ends, the District is compiling this information to provide an Exhibit and Appeal Form. Check back soon and keep an eye on your email if you were over caseload in 2025-26. This year’s stipends will be paid as one sum retroactively since the school year is already over, but going forward stipends must be paid monthly after overages.

Going Forward: A simpler ongoing process

2026-2027 School Year

• Moving forward with our improved, more enforceable contract, the District must pay a penalty payment in the form of a set monthly stipend to any Ed Specialist who is over caseload, to compensate educators and pressure the District to fill vacancies quickly.
• The amount of stipends negotiated in the new contract are slightly different than the stipends in the grievance settlement for the previous 2 years’ grievance settlement, but the ranges are the same.

Check back soon and keep an eye on your email for monthly exhibits if you are over caseload.