News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools has announced a delay in the start of the upcoming school year to the first week of September due to ongoing contract negotiations with support staff and a potential strike. The district aims to provide more time for discussions and reduce uncertainty for students and families. The local union has authorized the potential for a strike over concerns regarding wages and working conditions. The decision reflects the district’s commitment to financial stability while addressing the needs of staff and students during this challenging period.
Evergreen, Washington,
Evergreen Public Schools has announced a delay in the start of the 2025-26 school year until the first week of September. The district made this decision amid ongoing negotiations with a key support staff union and in response to a looming strike threat.
Reason for the Delay
The delay, moving the first day of classes from August 26 to September 2, is primarily due to the threat of a strike by the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 (PSE). The union, which includes paraeducators, bus drivers, security officers, and maintenance workers, has voted with significant support—more than 90%—to authorize a strike if their demands are not met. The union emphasizes that the postponement of the start date is a response to the possibility of a strike, not a change in the academic calendar.
Union and District Negotiations
The union has been without a contract for six months and is seeking higher wages to align with the rising cost of living. They have been demanding guarantees of fair pay and adequate working conditions before the strike vote. The district has reported presenting a final offer last week, which includes options for two- or three-year contracts with salary increases.
Impact on Students and Staff
The delay aims to provide more time for negotiations and to reduce uncertainty for students, families, and staff. The district declared that the delay allows more room for discussions, especially as their existing contract expires on August 30. The decision also aligns with the district’s efforts to maintain financial stability amid significant budget challenges.
Support from the Educational Community
The Evergreen Education Association, representing teachers, has agreed to respect the picket lines established by support staff during the strike. The union’s goal remains to secure competitive wages and better working conditions.
Statements from the District and Union
The district’s superintendent, Dr. Christine Moloney, stated that extending the start date offers more time to negotiate. Meanwhile, union members highlight that their current wages are lower than those in retail jobs with similar responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation for their roles in education support.
Summary
In summary, Evergreen Public Schools will delay the start of the upcoming school year by one week, primarily due to ongoing contract negotiations and the imminent support staff strike threat. The delay is intended to provide additional time for discussions while safeguarding the interests of students, families, and staff during this period of uncertainty.
The situation remains dynamic as negotiations continue, and the district has committed to maintaining transparency with the community regarding further developments.
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Additional Resources
- KOIN: Evergreen Schools Prepping for Union’s First-Ever Strike
- OregonLive: Signs a Teacher Strike Could Land in No School November
- KPTV: Evergreen Public Schools Union Workers Schedule Strike Vote
- Google Search: Evergreen Public Schools
- Axios: PPS Teachers Strike, Public School Students Affected
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Strike
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