Evergreen Public Schools Delay Start of School Year

News Summary

Evergreen Public Schools has announced a delay in the start of the school year due to potential strike action from the union representing support staff. Classes will now begin on September 2 instead of August 26. This decision comes amid ongoing negotiations for a fair contract, as the union seeks higher wages and better conditions. The superintendent indicated that this delay allows for more thorough negotiations. Both the district and the union are committed to addressing the issues at hand, impacting students and families reliant on the school system.

Evergreen, Washington – Evergreen Public Schools has announced a delay in the start of the 2025-26 school year, moving the first day of classes from August 26 to September 2. This decision comes amid ongoing negotiations with the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 (PSE), a union representing various support staff within the district, including paraeducators, bus drivers, security officers, and maintenance workers.

The union voted to initiate a strike on the originally scheduled first day of school, prompting the district to adjust the schedule. The union has made it clear that the change in start date is a direct result of this potential strike action. They are planning rallies and marches to advocate for a fair contract as negotiations continue.

The Evergreen Education Association, which represents teachers in the district, has expressed solidarity with the PSE and stated their intention to honor the picket line should it be established. This collective action underscores the importance of the concerns raised by the support staff and the widespread support from educators in the district.

In response to the situation, Dr. Christine Moloney, the superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools, noted that the delay provides an opportunity for more thorough negotiations with the union, as their current contract is set to expire on August 30. This postponement aims to alleviate uncertainty for students, families, and staff related to the ongoing negotiations.

The union has indicated that its members have been without a contract for six months and are advocating for higher wages that reflect the cost of living. The substantial majority, over 90%, of PSE members voted in favor of striking, illustrating the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Union members have pointed out that many support staff, including those in essential roles within education, are earning wages comparable to those in retail positions, which raises questions about compensation in such critical positions.

The question of compensation is significant, especially as the district has reported encountering serious budget challenges that limit their financial flexibility. Despite these issues, the district has claimed to have presented a final offer to the union last week, which includes options for two- or three-year contracts along with proposed salary increases. However, the union is seeking guarantees of fair pay and adequate working conditions before they would consider a resolution.

As this situation unfolds, both the Evergreen Public Schools district and the PSE union are committed to working towards an agreement that addresses the needs and demands of the support staff. The delay of the school year is a significant step driven by the impending strike, affecting thousands of students and families who rely on the educational system. The final outcome will depend on the negotiations between the two parties in the coming days, as they strive to reach a solution that ensures the stability and quality of education for the community.

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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