Teachers in 4 school districts still striking on Monday

Teachers in four school districts across Western Washington are still on strike Monday. Many others reached contract agreements with their districts over the weekend.

Most schools were supposed to begin classes last Wednesday or Thursday.

RELATED: Seattle teachers approve one-year contract

Strikes on Monday

Teachers in Tacoma will be on strike Monday and school remains closed. The district offered teachers a 7.5 percent pay raise. School officials argue that the district already faces at least a $25 million deficit — before bargaining began. That may result in layoffs next year; and more layoffs if the raises are approved. KIRO 7 reports that the district recently offered a $5,500 per teacher raise, and a $250 annual stipend for classroom supplies.

“The Tacoma School District needs to look at their priorities and ask themselves, ‘Do they want Tacoma to be a revolving door of education in the south Sound or do they want to keep their good staff that they have worked so hard to hire and train?’” Angel Morton, Union President told KIRO Radio’s Ron and Don Show  last week.

Teachers in Centralia started their strike on Thursday and are striking on Monday. Posted on the district website: “The CSD Board of Directors and our administrative team are eager to welcome students and staff back into classrooms as soon as possible. The District’s negotiating team remains available to resume contract talks at any time.”

The Tumwater School District and teachers have not reached an agreement, which means there is no school on Monday. The district took the Tumwater Education Association to court on Friday. A judge ruled the strike illegal, but without penalty. The district and the union will return to court on Wednesday.

Schools are closed in Battle Ground on Monday. Both sides will continue to negotiate for an agreement on Sunday.

Agreements reached, contracts ratified

Over the weekends, teachers in the Puyallup School District ratified a contract, ending their strike. School starts on Monday; kindergarten starts Thursday.

Teachers in the Tukwila School District also ratified a contract. School begins on Monday. The contract will give the TEA and TCEA staff a 10 percent raise a piece.

Teachers in Longview and Evergreen came to agreements with their districts and school starts this week.

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