Yelm teachers, district reach tentative agreement to avoid strike

YELM, Wash. — Teachers in Yelm have reached a tentative agreement with the school district to avoid a strike Tuesday.

The start of school was delayed as both sides continued to negotiate the terms of a new contract. According to the union, negotiations started in June.

Discussions began again on Monday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m., and the tentative agreement was reached just after 5 p.m.

The union will convene members Tuesday afternoon to vote to ratify the agreement.

If the agreement is ratified, school will begin on Wednesday.

Last Tuesday, members of the teacher’s union voted to authorize a strike if a deal wasn’t reached.

Teachers say they are fighting for fair wages, appropriate class sizes and support resources for kids, as well as safety equipment in classrooms.

“Every school’s staff was cut, and so we are fighting to maintain levels of safety that ensure students can learn and teachers can teach,” said middle school music teacher Mary Rivera.

Teachers say one issue, for example, is the reduction of school counselors.

“There’s been decisions made to make counselors represent two or three buildings at times, which makes it hard for them to build relationships,” said Thomas Albertson, an elementary school music teacher.

The district is currently dealing with budget issues and facing a projected budget shortfall of $8.2 million.

Several weeks ago, district officials said that to save money, some sports would be eliminated and that parents would have to drive their kids to and from events.

Yelm High School’s head football coach spearheaded an effort to raise money to save the season for C-teams.

Parents that KIRO 7 spoke to said they were supportive of the teachers’ effort.

“I’m hoping that the teachers get what they’re asking for,” said parent Danielle Perkins. “I know many of them, and I know that their first priority is our kids’ safety and education.”

“It’s even for longevity’s sake,” said Elisabeth Duncan, whose stepson is enrolled in the district. “If you have a teacher who’s there year after year, those kids are going to have a good rapport with them.”

For more information, visit: https://www.ycs.wednet.edu/

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