The wealthiest ZIP code in the United States, 94027, is located on the San Francisco Peninsula. Recently, educators within the local school district began a strike on the 23rd in pursuit of higher wages and improved healthcare and retirement benefits.

According to a report from Bay Area NBC News, the Las Lomitas Elementary School District serves this affluent area, encompassing two schools in Atherton and Menlo Park. The educators are represented by the Las Lomitas Education Association. On the evening of the 22nd, both parties confirmed to the media that the strike would commence the following day.

Educators have expressed their frustration, stating that they have been working without a contract since July 2023. They believe the district has the resources to offer competitive salaries and reliable healthcare. The lack of competitive compensation is forcing some to consider leaving the district or the education profession altogether.

Jennifer Montalvo, a union leader, emphasized the impact of teacher turnover on students. Despite being in one of the richest ZIP codes in the nation, educators are struggling to earn wages that allow them to afford basic living expenses.

Both Atherton and Menlo Park are located in San Mateo County, south of San Francisco.

The school district’s latest offer, announced on Tuesday evening, includes a 7% salary increase retroactive to the 2023-24 school year, followed by a 3% increase starting in the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, starting July 1, 2024, all teachers would receive a $3,358 tenure stipend and a healthcare benefit covering 100% of the Kaiser individual plan, which amounts to $14,358.

In contrast, the union has proposed an 8% raise retroactive to the 2023-24 school year, followed by another 8% increase for the 2024-25 school year. They are also asking for a floating cap of 110% coverage for the Kaiser plan starting January 1, 2025, and the elimination of the fees for CalPERS retirement accounts, which currently cost each member $1,812.