News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools has announced a delay in the start of the academic year to the first week of September. This decision comes as negotiations continue with the union representing support staff, who voted to strike. The delay aims to provide extra time for both parties to reach a fair contract, as the existing agreement expires soon. Union members, emphasizing their need for better pay, have mobilized to advocate for their demands during this critical period. Parents and students are encouraged to stay updated on the negotiations and the impact on the school year.
Evergreen, WA – Evergreen Public Schools has announced that the start of the 2025-26 school year will be delayed to the first week of September. This decision comes amid ongoing negotiations with the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 (PSE), whose members include support staff such as paraeducators, bus drivers, security officers, and maintenance workers. The union voted to initiate a strike that was scheduled to begin on the original start date of the school year, August 26. As a result, classes will now commence on September 2.
The union has made it clear that the delay in the school start date is directly related to the looming strike and not merely a change in the academic calendar. Union officials have planned rallies and marches in order to advocate for a fair contract. The Evergreen Education Association, which represents teachers within the district, has pledged to support the union by honoring their picket lines.
Dr. Christine Moloney, the Superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools, stated that the delay was intended to provide additional time for negotiations with the PSE. The existing contract between the district and the union is set to expire on August 30. The aim of delaying the start of school is to alleviate uncertainty for students, families, and staff during this negotiation period.
The union has emphasized the urgency of their situation, noting that many support staff have been working without a contract for six months. Central to their demands is a call for increased wages to keep pace with the rising cost of living. Currently, more than 90% of PSE workers voted in favor of the strike, reflecting significant support among the membership.
Concerns about compensation have been echoed by union member Derek Sytsma, who highlighted that he earns less than employees in many retail positions, despite the critical nature of his role in the educational environment. The union is advocating for competitive salaries that reflect the importance of their contributions to the school system.
In response to the union’s demands, the district has indicated that it faces substantial budget challenges that influence financial decisions aimed at maintaining the overall health of the district. The district reported that a final contract offer was presented last week, which included options for two- or three-year contracts with proposed salary increases. However, the union has called for guarantees of fair wages and improved working conditions prior to moving forward with any agreement.
The decision to postpone the start of the school year underscores the tensions between the district and the PSE, as both parties seek to resolve the conflict through negotiations. As the new date for classes approaches, the situation remains fluid, with both sides potentially facing pressure to come to an agreement to avoid disruption in the educational environment.
As the negotiations continue, parents and students are encouraged to stay informed about developments regarding the school year and the union’s efforts for a fair contract. The focus remains on reaching a resolution that supports both the staff and the community, ensuring a successful start to the academic 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
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