News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools remains closed as a strike by classified employees extends into its second week. This ongoing strike affects thousands of students, with classes canceled for consecutive Mondays. Negotiations between the district and the union have not resulted in an agreement, and picketing continues. The situation poses challenges for families in terms of child care and meals during the school closures while support services are being provided.
Evergreen, Washington — Continued School Closure Due to Classified Employees’ Strike
Evergreen Public Schools will remain closed on Monday as a strike by the Public School Employees (PSE) Large Group classified union persists into its second week. The ongoing strike has resulted in the cancellation of classes for the second consecutive Monday, impacting thousands of students across the district in the Vancouver area.
School Operations and Picketing
While all school buildings will be closed during the strike, the district’s Administrative Service Center will operate as usual, with staff working regular hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Union members continue to picket at the District Office located at 13413 N.E. LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive in Vancouver, with demonstrations scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.
Bargaining and Ongoing Negotiations
Negotiations between district officials and union representatives ended over the weekend without reaching an agreement. The district’s bargaining teams met on Friday and Saturday and are scheduled to reconvene on Monday morning. Both parties are seeking a resolution, but no deal was finalized at this time.
The union disputes the district’s claim that “the PSE team walked away from bargaining,” asserting this is false. Union leaders indicated that the district requested to end negotiations after the union presented five proposals and the district responded with only one counteroffer. The union emphasizes their commitment to bargaining in good faith.
Union and District Perspectives
The union president stated that the strike is not against students but is instead for better working conditions and fair negotiations. The district has expressed the goal of reaching an agreement that is fair and sustainable, considering the district’s current {budget constraints}.
Support Services for Students During the Strike
Despite the school closures, the district is providing free meals to students at two high schools:
- Heritage High School: Meals available from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
- Mountain View High School: Meals served from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Child care options have also been expanded to assist families affected by the strike:
- Right at School will operate Family Care Camps at nine elementary schools, running from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
- The Clark County Family YMCA will provide camps for district students from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m..
Activities, Transportation, and Communication
While middle and high school athletics and activities will continue, the district will not provide transportation during the strike. Families will receive schedules and location details directly from their respective schools to facilitate participation.
Impact on the Start of the Academic Year
The strike, which began on August 22, coincided with students’ scheduled return for the new school year, creating significant challenges for parents regarding child care and meal arrangements. The situation has disrupted the initial weeks of the academic calendar and placed additional burdens on families.
Legal Actions and District Response
On Friday, the Evergreen Public Schools Board of Directors voted unanimously to allow legal action against the striking workers and labeled the strike as “unlawful”. This move indicates ongoing tension between the district and the union, as the district seeks to restore normal operations and enforce its authority.
Union’s Position and Final Offer
Prior to the strike, union members voted on a “final offer” rejected by the district. The strike and subsequent negotiations reflect diverging perspectives over contract terms, pay, and working conditions, with the union emphasizing its desire for negotiations based on respect and fairness.
In summary, Evergreen Public Schools remains closed as the strike continues, with ongoing negotiations and support services in place. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between district officials and employees amid the broader context of district funding and labor relations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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New Britain Struggles with School Transportation Issues
Evergreen Public Schools Delays Opening Amid Ongoing Strike
Susquehanna Township School District Cancels Classes Due to Bus Driver Shortage
Bus Driver Shortage Disrupts School Transportation in Cumberland Valley
Susquehanna Township Schools Closed Due to Bus Driver Shortage
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Excel Academy Public Charter School Closes Abruptly
Evergreen School Year Delayed Amid Union Strike Threat
Additional Resources
- KPTV: Evergreen Public Schools No Class Announcement
- KGW: Evergreen Public Schools Classes Canceled
- Washington State Standard: Strike Delays Start of Classes
- Seattle Times: Evergreen Public Schools Strike Continues
- KOIN: Class Canceled for Evergreen Public Schools
- Wikipedia: Teacher Strike
- Google Search: Evergreen Public Schools Strike
- Google Scholar: Evergreen Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher Union Strike
- Google News: Evergreen Public Schools
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