News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools have declared a closure on September 3rd due to ongoing contract negotiations with the PSE Union. The union, representing around 1,400 workers, is advocating for higher wages and improved working conditions. Current proposals from the district have been rejected, as they fail to meet the needs of employees facing rising insurance costs. The closure marks a significant delay in the school year, emphasizing the urgency for a resolution. Free meals will be provided during this period, and continuous updates will be shared with families regarding the situation.
Vancouver – Evergreen Public Schools have announced that there will be no school on Wednesday, September 3rd, as a result of ongoing unresolved contract negotiations between the district and the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) Union. The closure signifies the second delay in the start of the school year, aimed at providing additional time for bargaining teams to reach an agreement.
The PSE Union, which represents approximately 1,400 workers that include bus drivers, IT workers, paraprofessionals, and other classroom support staff, has been demanding higher wages and compensation for work performed beyond contracted hours. Many employees in these roles work part-time and are bound to specific working hours, adhering to a “bell-to-bell” policy where they are only compensated for the time students are present in school.
As of now, the district has proposed a 4.5% pay increase for paraprofessionals, a 3.5% increase for transportation staff, and a 2.5% increase for service workers. However, union leaders have deemed these proposals insufficient to meet the needs of their members and have rejected them in favor of more substantial offers to retain staff. Rising insurance costs are further intensifying concerns, as they threaten to outpace the proposed salary increases.
This ongoing strike has already resulted in the absence of 10 paraeducators from a local school, raising alarms about the level of support available to students. In response to the situation, the district plans to provide free breakfast and lunch at select locations during the school closure, ensuring that students do not miss out on essential nutritional support.
The school district has stated its openness to continue negotiations, with mediation meetings scheduled to address the concerns of both parties. The district is committed to keeping families updated daily regarding the status of school operations and hopes to reach an agreement promptly to resume classes.
While the PSE Union has the option to work under their previous contract for a full year, union leaders have decided to strike instead, citing the necessity for negotiations to take place. The decision to strike followed a vote by union members last week, firmly indicating their stance on securing better working conditions and compensation.
In summary, the situation remains fluid as both the Evergreen Public Schools district and the PSE Union continue discussions. The community is encouraged to stay informed as updates will be provided frequently, with both sides aiming for a resolution that will allow students to return to school as soon as possible.
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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
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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, 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 state 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
