The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) announced a tentative two-year agreement with the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) union on Sunday, which includes a significant 11.65% increase in salary scales. This agreement sets the starting salary for new teachers at $77,000 annually, potentially adding up to $11,000 more for teachers with 15 to 30 years of experience. The average salary increase is projected to be 13.86%. The negotiations were prompted by rising inflation, which has made living costs challenging for educators. The agreement also includes benefits such as four weeks of unpaid parental leave and enhanced healthcare for substitute teachers. However, the possibility of a strike remains as the Service Employees International Union Local 99, representing custodians and service workers, is still in negotiations with the district. The agreement must be ratified by both the union members and the district's board to be finalized.