Seattle teachers to get 10.5 percent raise in tentative contract

Seattle Public Schools employees will get a 10.5 percent raise in a one-year tentative contract, according to The Seattle Times.

The deal, reports the Times, also includes five more days of paid parental leave for teachers, substitutes, and other staff members.

Both sides announced late Friday night the deal had been reached. No terms were immediately disclosed, but an email was sent on Saturday to members of the Seattle Education Association, according to the Times.

SEA members are due to vote on the proposed contract on Sept. 8. Meanwhile, classes will begin as scheduled on Wednesday.

Educators in Seattle — the state’s largest school district — voted Tuesday to authorize a strike. The start of school has been delayed for tens of thousands of students in Washington after teachers and districts failed to reach contract agreements, mostly over salaries.

Teachers in seven school districts went on strike last week, according to the Washington Education Association, which represents state teachers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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