School Year Delayed Amid Union Strike Threat in Evergreen

News Summary

Evergreen Public Schools announced a delay in the start of the academic year to provide additional negotiation time amid a looming strike by support staff. The initial first day of classes has shifted from August 26 to September 2. This decision follows ongoing negotiations with the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees, representing staff who have been without a contract for six months and are advocating for higher wages. The district faces budget challenges as it attempts to reach a fair agreement while aiming to reduce uncertainty for students and families.

Evergreen, Washington — School Year Delayed Amid Union Strike Threat

Evergreen Public Schools has announced a delay in the start of the 2025-26 academic year, shifting the first day of classes from August 26 to September 2. The decision comes as negotiations between the district and the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) SEIU Local 1948 continue amid a looming strike. The delay aims to provide additional time for discussion and reduce uncertainty for students, families, and staff.

Background on the Strike Threat

The union represents essential support staff within the district, including paraeducators, bus drivers, security officers, and maintenance workers. These workers have been without a contract for six months, and their demands center on higher wages to keep pace with the rising cost of living. The union’s leadership indicated that more than 90% of their members voted in favor of striking if an agreement is not reached before the original start date.

Strike Authorization and Union Actions

The union announced its plan to begin a strike starting on August 26, the originally scheduled first day of school. In response, Evergreen Public Schools decided to postpone the start of the school year by one week to allow for further negotiations. The union emphasized that the delay in start date is not a change to the academic calendar but a consequence of their intention to strike. The union also announced plans to rally and march in the coming days until their contract demands are met.

District’s Response and Negotiation Strategy

Evergreen Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christine Moloney stated that the delay to the school start date provides the district additional time to negotiate with the union. The district’s existing support staff contract is set to expire on August 30, making the delay a strategic move to avoid disrupting the start of classes and to facilitate discussions. The district cited significant budget challenges that impact their ability to meet all demands immediately but emphasized their commitment to reaching a fair agreement.

Support from Teachers and Community

In a show of solidarity, the Evergreen Education Association, representing teachers in the district, agreed to honor the union’s picket line if a strike occurs. This collective stance highlights the unity among different staff groups who are advocating for improved wages and working conditions. While negotiations continue, the district has presented a final offer which includes options for two- or three-year contracts with salary increases, but union leaders have expressed dissatisfaction and are seeking guarantees for fair pay and quality working conditions.

Impact on Students and Families

The shift in the start date aims to mitigate the impacts of the potential strike by giving more time for negotiations. Administrators hope that the delay will reduce ongoing uncertainty for students and their families, allowing for a more organized transition into the school year. However, the disruption remains a concern as the region’s support staff prepare to either return to work under a new contract or participate in the strike starting next week.

Additional Context and Future Outlook

The support staff’s push for higher wages reflects broader challenges faced by districts across the state, which are balancing budget constraints with employees’ demands for livable wages. While the district reports ongoing financial challenges, officials reiterated their goal of maintaining the district’s overall health and stability. As negotiations continue, the community remains attentive to potential further developments that could impact the start of the school year.

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Additional Resources

• KOIN: Evergreen Schools Prepping for Union’s First-Ever Strike
• OregonLive: Signs a Teacher Strike Could Land in No School November
• KPTV: Evergreen Public Schools Union Workers Schedule Strike Vote
• Google Search: Evergreen Public Schools
• Axios: PPS Teachers Strike, Public School Students Affected
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Strike