BASIS Tucson North educators ratify first union contract at Arizona charter school

BASIS Tucson North educators have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement, becoming the only unionized charter school in Arizona, according to AFT Local 6627, Arizona Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff (AZ-ACTS). The school employs 55 teachers and staff who serve students from fifth through twelfth grade.

The educators sought union representation to advocate for student needs and promote financial transparency by BASIS LLC, the school's for-profit operator. AZ-ACTS stated that the new contract provides enforceable employment terms, a grievance process, and guarantees for raises and benefits.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), which is the parent union of AZ-ACTS, commented on the significance of this development. “This is the first contract for an Arizona charter school, laying a strong foundation for rights and a voice for educators at their school and showing others at unorganized charters the way to move forward. This contract will help educators in charters in Arizona and elsewhere to see how important it is to have a union,” Weingarten said.

BASIS operates additional charter schools in Arizona—including several in Phoenix—as well as in Texas, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C.

In its 2025-26 report, U.S. News & World Report named BASIS Tucson North both the best high school and best charter school in the country (https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings).