News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools will remain closed as the Public School Employees’ strike continues into its second week, affecting thousands of students. All school buildings are closed, while administrative services will be available at the district’s Administrative Service Center. Despite negotiations, no resolution has been reached, leaving families concerned about operations and meal services. The district is providing meal programs at selected high schools and expanding childcare services, amidst legal actions against the striking workers.
Evergreen, Washington – Public Schools Remain Closed Amid Ongoing Classified Employees’ Strike
Evergreen Public Schools will stay closed on Monday due to a continuing strike by the Public School Employees (PSE) Large Group classified union, marking the second consecutive week of school cancellations. The strike, which began on August 22, has significantly impacted thousands of students and their families in the Vancouver-area district, disrupting the start of the new school year.
School Operations and Picketing Activities
During the strike, all school buildings will remain closed. However, the district’s Administrative Service Center will operate on regular hours, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to handle essential administrative functions. Union members continue picketing at the District Office, located at 13413 N.E. LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive in Vancouver, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily as part of their ongoing protest efforts.
Negotiations and Dispute Over Bargaining
No resolution was reached over the weekend despite multiple bargaining sessions. The district’s teams met on Friday and Saturday, with negotiations scheduled again for Monday morning. The district maintains that it aims to reach a fair and sustainable agreement considering current budget constraints.
The union disputes the district’s claims that “the PSE team walked away from bargaining.” Union representatives assert that the district initiated a halt to negotiations after Evergreen PSE submitted five proposals, while the district countered with only one offer. The union emphasizes its commitment to bargaining in good faith, with union president Mindy Troffer-Cooper stating that their efforts are focused on supporting students.
Support Services During the Strike
In response to the disruptions caused by the strike, the district is providing free meal programs at two high schools for affected students. Heritage High School will distribute meals from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and Mountain View High School will serve from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. daily. These measures aim to ensure students continue to have access to nutrition despite the closures.
Additionally, child care services have been expanded. Right at School will operate Family Care Camps at nine elementary schools from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing a safe environment for elementary students during the workday. The Clark County Family YMCA will also offer camps from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for district students needing child care.
Impact on Extracurricular Activities and Transportation
While middle and high school sports and activities are continuing, the district will not provide transportation services during the strike. Families are instructed to receive detailed schedules and locations directly from their respective schools to coordinate participation.
Background and Additional Measures
The strike coincided with the first week of school, creating significant logistical challenges for parents and guardians trying to manage child care and meal arrangements. In response, the Evergreen Public Schools Board of Directors unanimously voted on Friday to pursue legal action against the striking workers, declaring the strike “unlawful.” This move underscores the district’s firm stance amid ongoing negotiations.
Before the strike began, union members rejected the district’s proposed “final offer” in a vote taken on Thursday. Despite subsequent bargaining efforts, no agreement has yet been reached, and the strike continues into its second week, affecting the district’s ability to operate normally at the start of the new academic year.
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Additional Resources
- KPTV: Evergreen Public Schools No Class Announcement
- KGW: Evergreen Public Schools Classes Canceled
- Washington State Standard: Strike Delays Start of Classes
- Seattle Times: Evergreen Public Schools Strike Continues
- KOIN: Class Canceled for Evergreen Public Schools
- Wikipedia: Teacher Strike
- Google Search: Evergreen Public Schools Strike
- Google Scholar: Evergreen Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher Union Strike
- Google News: Evergreen Public Schools
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