News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver has announced a delay in school openings due to an ongoing strike by the Public School Employees of Washington Union. This closure is the second consecutive day as negotiations remain unresolved, with issues surrounding wages and employee compensation at the forefront. The district has proposed salary increases but the union has found them insufficient. In the meantime, schools will provide free meals to students during this period while aiming to negotiate an agreement to resume normal operations soon.
Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver Delays School Start Again Due to Ongoing Strike by PSE Union
Vancouver, WA — Evergreen Public Schools announced that there will be no school on Wednesday, September 3, marking the second consecutive day of school closure due to unresolved contract negotiations between the district and the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) Union.
Reasons Behind the School Closure
The district’s decision to delay reopening stems from ongoing negotiations with the PSE Union, which represents approximately 1,400 workers. The union, comprising roles such as bus drivers, paraprofessionals, IT workers, and other classroom support staff, has been in dispute with district officials over key employment issues. The union’s primary demands include higher wages and better compensation for work beyond contracted hours.
Background on the Strike and Negotiations
The teachers and support staff have opted to strike despite having the option to return to work under the terms of the previous contract for a full year. The union leadership recently voted in favor of striking, citing dissatisfaction with the district’s current proposal and ongoing negotiations. The union leaders are particularly concerned about rising insurance costs, which they believe could outpace the proposed salary increases.
Details of the District’s Proposal and Union Response
The district has proposed salary increases aimed at improving pay for various support positions: a 4.5% increase for paraprofessionals, a 3.5% increase for transportation staff, and a 2.5% increase for service workers. However, the union has rejected the offer, arguing the proposed raises are insufficient to address staff retention challenges and cost-of-living increases.
Impact of the Strike on Schools and Students
The strike has led to the absence of approximately 10 paraprofessionals at a local school, raising concerns about providing adequate student support. Many PSE employees are part-time workers who are restricted to specific hours, often paid only for the time students are present, following a “bell-to-bell” policy.
School Closure and Student Support During the Strike
While schools are closed, the district plans to offer free meals to students at designated pickup locations. The district also intends to keep families informed with daily updates regarding the status of school operations. Despite the work availability under their previous contractual agreement, union members have chosen not to work while negotiations continue.
Ongoing Negotiations and Future Outlook
The district has indicated its willingness to negotiate further and has scheduled mediation meetings to resolve the dispute. District officials emphasize their hope to reach an agreement quickly to reopen schools and resume normal activities.
Additional Support for Students
During the strike, students will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch at select locations, ensuring that nutritional needs are met despite the disruptions.
Conclusion
The postponement of the school start reflects ongoing tensions between Evergreen Public Schools and the PSE Union, with both sides committed to negotiations. The district continues to prioritize reaching an agreement that addresses staff concerns while minimizing the impact on students and families. Updates will be provided regularly as negotiations progress.
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Additional Resources
- KATU News
- Wikipedia: Teacher Strike
- KGW News
- Google Search: Evergreen Public Schools Strike
- KPTV News
- Google Scholar: Education Union Negotiations
- Washington State Standard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- KOIN News
- Google News: Evergreen Public Schools
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
