The Del Mar Union School District board voted unanimously Wednesday, Nov. 4, to adopt its opening bargaining proposal for 2026-27 contract negotiations with the Del Mar California Teachers Association (DMCTA).

The board also voted to formally receive the union's own initial proposal to the district, according to meeting minutes. Both votes passed 5-0.

Board President Alan Kholos opened a public hearing on the district's proposal at 7:32 p.m. No members of the public spoke, and Kholos closed the hearing the same minute. Board member Bill Porter made the motion to adopt the district's proposal, seconded by board member Doug Rafner. Board members Katherine Fitzpatrick and Gee Wah Mok also voted in favor.

The specific subjects covered in each side's proposal were not detailed in the meeting minutes. The district first presented the item as an information agenda entry at its Oct. 7 meeting, where it was labeled a "contract reopener" negotiation. The Nov. 4 minutes describe it as "contract negotiations." The distinction between a limited reopener and a full successor contract was not clarified in either set of minutes.

At the October meeting, the board held a closed session with Superintendent Marisa Janicek and Ryan Stanley, assistant superintendent of human resources, identified as the district's designated labor negotiators. No action was taken in that closed session, according to the Oct. 7 minutes.

DMCTA President Julie Karcsay delivered a report to the board at the Nov. 4 meeting, though the minutes do not describe its contents.

Other board action

The board approved a consent calendar that included a first reading of new Board Policy 0460, a Local Control and Accountability Plan policy, along with 2026-27 School Plans for Student Achievement and changes to the Group 12 salary schedule. All consent items passed unanimously.

The board also recognized November and December Employees of the Month from each school site. Among those honored were Dana Ali, innovation technologist at Ashley Falls School, and Julie Sawi, kindergarten teacher at Sage Canyon School.

Students from Sage Canyon School led the Pledge of Allegiance and shared about the school's Safe School Ambassador program.

The board voted to hold its 2026 organizational meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 16.