Which Washington teachers, districts are still negotiating
Sep 3, 2018, 8:38 AM | Updated: Sep 5, 2018, 7:17 am
Most school districts around the state start class this week, but some have not reached contract agreements with teachers.
RELATED: Why teachers are preparing to strike amid new education funding
This year saw a record number of strikes at the same time in Washington, with six districts in Clark County alone delaying the start of school over contract negotiations. Teachers in five districts — Evergreen, Battle Ground, Washougal, and Tumwater — remain on strike, demanding higher pay.
An overwhelming 97 percent of teachers in Tacoma voted to strike on the first day of school, which is Thursday. “Tonight 2127 Tacoma members showed up to vote to strike! 2034 voted yes. Strike begins Sept. 6th,” We Teach Tacoma wrote on its Facebook page after a union meeting on Tuesday.
Teachers in Puyallup started their strike on Wednesday as contract negotiations continue. Classes were supposed to begin Wednesday.
The Stanwood-Camano School District canceled the first day of school Wednesday because it hasn’t reached an agreement with the teachers union yet.
Teachers in Tukwila started their strike on Wednesday with picket signs at Foster High School. The strike is only planned for one day as both sides come to the bargaining table. If they don’t reach an agreement, the strike will continue.
Tumwater teachers are on strike Wednesday, the first day of school. Tumwater Education Association President Tim Voie told KIRO 7 they want to be competitive with surrounding districts, including the Olympia School District and North Thurston Public Schools.
Teachers in Centralia also planed to strike on Wednesday if they don’t reach a tentative agreement.
Reaching agreement
The largest district in the state – Seattle – started classes Wednesday. Seattle Public Schools employees will get a 10.5 percent raise in a one-year tentative contract, according to The Seattle Times. SEA members are due to vote on the proposed contract on Sept. 8.
School will also start on time in Mercer Island.
Teachers in Vancouver, Ridgefield, and Hockinson schools have either reached tentative contracts or approved agreements with their districts. The same goes for teachers in Bethel, Mercer Island, Sumner, Camas, and North Kitsap.
Monroe teachers reached a tentative agreement early Tuesday morning. Arlington reached an agreement on Monday.
Educators in the Rainier School District reached a tentative agreement with the district, in time for school to begin Wednesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
