But in Washington Unified (WUSD), we are failing these heroes. We are treating our classrooms as a training ground, not as a career path.

Our best, most experienced teachers have used WUSD as a stepping stone—gaining their footing here, then leaping across the river to districts that actually value their learned experience. We are losing our veteran talent because neighboring districts pay significantly more.

The Numbers Don’t Lie (Compare for Yourself)

WUSD- Starts new teachers at around $54,472. Recent contract negogiations (March 2026) indicate salaries may start at $59K annually. Under the current contract, the average annual salary languishes between $76,405 and $79,244. Even our top-tier veterans max out at only $103,000.

• Natomas Unified: Pays an average of $90,931, with veterans topping out at $121,000

• Sacramento City Unified: Teachers average $102,700, peaking at over $110,000

• Twin Rivers Unified: Starts teachers start at $64,000+ and pay veteran educators up to $124,659-plus up to $6,000 extra for advanced degrees.

When Twin Rivers offers $21,000 more per year at the top end, and Sacramento City pays $23,000 more on average, why would a seasoned mentor stay in WUSD? They won't. And our children suffer for it. The teachers who have remained have stayed for the love of the students. Their heart won’t let them leave. For many, this is their home.

The Outrageous Contrast

Meanwhile, look at our administrative spending. Let’s look where the district office does choose to spend money.

Our WUSD Superintendent takes home a base salary of $295,936.50-plus an additional $42,105 in benefits. That is a whooping $337K a year salary. Our Assistant Superintendents make between $200K and $240K each. That is considered Top Heavy. Our tax dollars were meant for the classrooms, not for administrators.

The Excuse vs. Reality

District leaders claim teacher salaries are low because "Yolo County is based on a different economy than Sacramento county." That is an insult to our intelligence. West Sacramento is separated from Sacramento by a river and bridge. We shop at the same stores, pay the same gas prices, and live in the exact same regional economy.

The Final Straw

Most recently, the teacher’s association uncovered the WUSD superintendent seperated 12% of the budget for a second budget reserve account—hoarding cash beyond what state law requires. Education Code Section 42127.01, provides school districts with a staturory cap on their reserves of 10%. The District was stockpiling money in unnecessary reserves while refusing to pay our educators competitively.

The Call to Action!

If we can afford a $337K superintendent and a bloated district office, we can afford to stop the exodus of teachers who raise our children. Voters have a choice in the midterm elections.

Maria Grijalva plans to balance the playing field by gaining oversight of the superintendent’s spending. Grijalva will not ratify District recommendations without an analysys. She will ask questions, request evidence in order to do a comparative analysis of staff recommendations. Voters have the power to protect our teachers. Vote Grijalva for school board.

No Repeat of LAUSD

CA Education Code Section 42127.01 is very specific. A school district’s budget ending General Fund balance shall not contain an excess of 10 percent of those funds. That means creating a second reserve account with 12% of the budget goes against the established rules. It is violates the Education Code. Was the horde of cash another attempt to repeat the LAUSD fiasco of 2023? Our superintendent approved massive overtime checks in extra pay and overtime Thanks to West Sacramento Teachers Association the superintendent was stopped on her tracks. She attempted to hoard cash beyond what state law requires. Where is the current Trustee’s oversight? As your Trustee, I will review the budget with a fine tooth comb. Vote Grijalva for school board, District 1.