Contract talks broke off Saturday night between Seattle Public Schools and the union representing 6,000 teachers and staff, bringing the district a step closer to a strike that would delay the start of the school year for about 50,000 students.
“SPS walked away from the table tonight,” the Seattle Education Association said in a statement. “Talks broke down, and there are no talks scheduled.”
KIRO 7 has reached out to the school district, but in an earlier social media post the district stated, “SPS remains steadfast in its commitment to working with Seattle Education Association (SEA) to achieve an agreement that serves all students, supports our employees, remains fiscally prudent, and positions our schools for a successful year.”
Saturday afternoon, members of the Seattle Education Association gathered at Judkins Park to assemble thousands of picket signs.
“We decided as a union that it was necessary that the things we’re asking for, which are reasonable, are not being provided,” Colby Ostheimer said as he wrapped tape around picket handles.
The union is asking for a 6% pay raise for teachers and a 12% raise for lower-paid office and paraprofessionals over the three-year contract, in addition to the state cost of living adjustment.
In its social media post, SPS said it was proposing a 9% compensation package over three years.
Support for special education has also been a sticking point. School psychologist Ashley Burchett says about 9000 students access special ed. “We are here for the students. That’s why I’m here. I want to help. I don’t want to pretend to help,” Burchett said.
SPS says its contract increases access to special education in neighborhood schools.
If an agreement is not reached by Tuesday, school would not open on Wednesday, September 2nd as planned.
Complicating the contract talks is the fact that the district is trying to close an $87 million budget deficit.
“We know what these students need, and we’re not just going to sort of give up because the district needs to balance a budget,” Seattle teacher Sam Friedman insisted.
The talks also come as the head of the S-E-A faces scrutiny.
Ibijoke Idowu was elected union president, while on administrative leave, during a school district investigation which found that she likely grabbed and bruised a student in her special ed class. She has denied the allegations and had no comment as she helped put together picket signs Saturday, telling KIRO 7, “I want to make sure that I’m focused on the bargain. So that’s the only thing I feel comfortable talking about at this time.”
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