With strike on, Tacoma schools will offer free breakfast, lunch to students at 12 different schools
TACOMA, Wash. -- Tacoma classrooms were closed Thursday on what was supposed to be the first day of school due to a teacher strike.Teachers picketed for hours throughout the day.
TACOMA, Wash. -- Tacoma classrooms were closed Thursday on what was supposed to be the first day of school due to a teacher strike.Teachers picketed for hours throughout the day.
Bargaining continues day before district plans to take Tumwater teachers to court over strike
TUMWATER, Wash. -- The Tumwater School District is taking teachers to court on Friday in hopes of forcing striking teachers back into the classroom.And despite an upcoming legal battle, teachers say they are still not backing down.The teachers strike began Tuesday in Tumwater, and there is no telling when kids will start school.Tumwater teachers say the state Supreme Court's McCleary decision and the Legislature's action last year pumped $2 billion into public education this year so they want their compensation to go up with those new dollars.On Thursday, teachers picketed outside school.“We’ve been marching for seven and half hours a day,” teacher Doug Peltier said.They are hoping negotiations will result in a historic pay increase.“I know the bargaining team has been quiet about what they are asking for,” Peltier said.But the district is spilling the numbers.District officials said that last week,before they had to call in a state mediator, they had offered teachers a 13% to 16% pay hike over two years.But the district says union leaders were asking for a 26% to 31% salary jump in one year.“I agree that we have to pay teachers well -- most of the folks in the state would agree -- but when the demand is a nearly 30% wage increase, that seems unreasonable,” state Sen.
TUMWATER, Wash. -- The Tumwater School District is taking teachers to court on Friday in hopes of forcing striking teachers back into the classroom.And despite an upcoming legal battle, teachers say they are still not backing down.The teachers strike began Tuesday in Tumwater, and there is no telling when kids will start school.Tumwater teachers say the state Supreme Court's McCleary decision and the Legislature's action last year pumped $2 billion into public education this year so they want their compensation to go up with those new dollars.On Thursday, teachers picketed outside school.“We’ve been marching for seven and half hours a day,” teacher Doug Peltier said.They are hoping negotiations will result in a historic pay increase.“I know the bargaining team has been quiet about what they are asking for,” Peltier said.But the district is spilling the numbers.District officials said that last week,before they had to call in a state mediator, they had offered teachers a 13% to 16% pay hike over two years.But the district says union leaders were asking for a 26% to 31% salary jump in one year.“I agree that we have to pay teachers well -- most of the folks in the state would agree -- but when the demand is a nearly 30% wage increase, that seems unreasonable,” state Sen.
Washougal teachers ratify contract agreement with 18% pay hike, end strike that began Aug. 28
WASHOUGAL, Wash. -- Teachers in Washougal on Thursday ratified a new two-year contract, ending a strike that began Aug. 28.Under the new deal, the beginning teacher salary this year will be $51,434 and the maximum will be $96,944, the Washougal Association of Educators said."On average, Washougal teachers will be receiving an 18 percent salary increase this school year, which will help us continue attracting and keeping great educators for Washougal students," said Washougal Association of Educators President Eric Engebretson. "We hope our settlement will inspire superintendents in other striking school districts to negotiate the pay raises their teachers deserve.
WASHOUGAL, Wash. -- Teachers in Washougal on Thursday ratified a new two-year contract, ending a strike that began Aug. 28.Under the new deal, the beginning teacher salary this year will be $51,434 and the maximum will be $96,944, the Washougal Association of Educators said."On average, Washougal teachers will be receiving an 18 percent salary increase this school year, which will help us continue attracting and keeping great educators for Washougal students," said Washougal Association of Educators President Eric Engebretson. "We hope our settlement will inspire superintendents in other striking school districts to negotiate the pay raises their teachers deserve.
About 7,000 teachers on strike in Western Washington; 120,000 students affected
SEATTLE -- Nearly 7,000 teachers in 11 school districts were on strike Wednesday in Washington.Those districts are Tacoma, Puyallup, Tukwila, Tumwater, Centralia, Stanwood-Camano, Rainier, Evergreen, Washugal, Battle Ground and Longview.These teachers educate about 120,000 students.Late Wednesday, striking Washougal teachers reached a tentative contract agreement with their school district.
SEATTLE -- Nearly 7,000 teachers in 11 school districts were on strike Wednesday in Washington.Those districts are Tacoma, Puyallup, Tukwila, Tumwater, Centralia, Stanwood-Camano, Rainier, Evergreen, Washugal, Battle Ground and Longview.These teachers educate about 120,000 students.Late Wednesday, striking Washougal teachers reached a tentative contract agreement with their school district.
To Washington state schools chief, security upgrades important, but something else more vital
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Chris Reykdal is in the business of schools as the Washington superintendent of public instruction.Q13 News wanted his perspective on physical school security at a time when mass shootings have been ingrained in our conscience.Schools have individualized safety plans but there are no requirements of what it should look like.“We are very much a local-control state, so we don’t tell them (the individual school districts) how,” Reykdal said.For example, most schools now do the run, hide, fight drills for active shooter scenarios, but some schools practice it more than others.“There is that balance of practicing it and not creating the anxiety,” Reykdal said.But the question is why isn’t there a standardized rule for drills and other security measures?“Well, I do think that’s the prerogative of the state Legislature; they can make decisions that they want a certain profile of every school when it comes to how to enter the building, or how we secure the front of the building,” Reykdal said.But even if the Legislature were to set universal standards and pump more money into securing schools, Reykdal questions if that’s the answer.“There is a legitimate debate.
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Chris Reykdal is in the business of schools as the Washington superintendent of public instruction.Q13 News wanted his perspective on physical school security at a time when mass shootings have been ingrained in our conscience.Schools have individualized safety plans but there are no requirements of what it should look like.“We are very much a local-control state, so we don’t tell them (the individual school districts) how,” Reykdal said.For example, most schools now do the run, hide, fight drills for active shooter scenarios, but some schools practice it more than others.“There is that balance of practicing it and not creating the anxiety,” Reykdal said.But the question is why isn’t there a standardized rule for drills and other security measures?“Well, I do think that’s the prerogative of the state Legislature; they can make decisions that they want a certain profile of every school when it comes to how to enter the building, or how we secure the front of the building,” Reykdal said.But even if the Legislature were to set universal standards and pump more money into securing schools, Reykdal questions if that’s the answer.“There is a legitimate debate.
Teachers in Tumwater, Stanwood-Camano, Rainier districts go on strike; Arlington gets tentative pact
TUKWILA, Wash. -- On Labor Day, school district workers such as Rhonda Lee couldn't take the day off.Lee’s office is full of school supplies at the Tukwila School District headquarters.“All of these backpacks are all donated,” Lee said.Supplies may be ready for Tukwila students, but Lee, the district's spokesperson, isn't sure when kids will actually be in class.Lee is working overtime keeping track of negotiations over teacher salaries.“We are hoping, hoping to avoid any kind of controversy,” Lee said.On Monday night, Stanwood-Camano teachers announced they were on strike after not reaching a tentative agreement with the district.
TUKWILA, Wash. -- On Labor Day, school district workers such as Rhonda Lee couldn't take the day off.Lee’s office is full of school supplies at the Tukwila School District headquarters.“All of these backpacks are all donated,” Lee said.Supplies may be ready for Tukwila students, but Lee, the district's spokesperson, isn't sure when kids will actually be in class.Lee is working overtime keeping track of negotiations over teacher salaries.“We are hoping, hoping to avoid any kind of controversy,” Lee said.On Monday night, Stanwood-Camano teachers announced they were on strike after not reaching a tentative agreement with the district.
Will school start or will teachers strike? Districts negotiate over holiday weekend
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- There will be no holiday weekend for school districts still trying to avoid teacher strikes just days before the first day of school.Roughly half of the school districts across the state are still at an impasse with teachers unions over salaries.The battle is over $2 billion in the state budget for teacher salaries, a result of the state supreme court's McCleary decision, which pumps $9.2 billion into public education over the next six years."McCleary added more money than we've seen, probably ever, to our school system and as a result, every district in this state will have more money for education," said Linda Mullen, communications director for the Washington Education Association.This year, some teacher unions, like in Issaquah, have successfully negotiated double-digit pay raises.
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- There will be no holiday weekend for school districts still trying to avoid teacher strikes just days before the first day of school.Roughly half of the school districts across the state are still at an impasse with teachers unions over salaries.The battle is over $2 billion in the state budget for teacher salaries, a result of the state supreme court's McCleary decision, which pumps $9.2 billion into public education over the next six years."McCleary added more money than we've seen, probably ever, to our school system and as a result, every district in this state will have more money for education," said Linda Mullen, communications director for the Washington Education Association.This year, some teacher unions, like in Issaquah, have successfully negotiated double-digit pay raises.
Tukwila Education Association calls a teachers strike effective Wednesday, the first day of classes
TUKWILA, Wash. -- The Tukwila Education Association on Thursday called a teachers strike effective next Wednesday, the first day of classes in the new school year.The teachers' union said it held a four-hour bargaining session Wednesday with the school district, but came away without an agreement.
TUKWILA, Wash. -- The Tukwila Education Association on Thursday called a teachers strike effective next Wednesday, the first day of classes in the new school year.The teachers' union said it held a four-hour bargaining session Wednesday with the school district, but came away without an agreement.
Many school districts still in negotiations over teacher pay, with only days before classes start
SPANAWAY, Wash. -- Dozens of Bethel School District teachers filed into Liberty Middle School on Thursday to learn the latest offer on pay increases.
SPANAWAY, Wash. -- Dozens of Bethel School District teachers filed into Liberty Middle School on Thursday to learn the latest offer on pay increases.
Parents forced to look for last-minute child care if teachers go on strike
SEATTLE -- Samantha Ramirez is counting down the days.“I am going to be so excited because I am going to be in second grade,” Ramirez said.Back to school items are already checked off.“I have everything,” Ramirez said.What they don’t have is the green light that Samantha’s elementary school in Tacoma will start on time.“I just have to figure it out if they go on strike,” said Samantha’s mom, Zohar Ramirez.Zohar is a single mom of three and a strike would throw a wrench into her plans.In Pierce County, teachers in Tacoma Public Schools and the Bethel School District are still fighting for more pay.With most classes scheduled to start next week, the drama over contract negotiations has a big population of families in Western Washington wondering if their teachers will strike.“It’s our turn to demand that money and that we deserve that money,” Laura Hittenrauch, with Bethel Education Association, said.On Tuesday night, Seattle teachers voted to authorize a strike, meaning the district and the union would have to agree on a deal by Wednesday, Sept. 5, to avoid the disruption of the first week of school.Dozens of districts have agreed to double digit pay increases for their teachers but there are many others still in limbo with just days before the start of school.If there is a strike, the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound will open their doors to any family.
SEATTLE -- Samantha Ramirez is counting down the days.“I am going to be so excited because I am going to be in second grade,” Ramirez said.Back to school items are already checked off.“I have everything,” Ramirez said.What they don’t have is the green light that Samantha’s elementary school in Tacoma will start on time.“I just have to figure it out if they go on strike,” said Samantha’s mom, Zohar Ramirez.Zohar is a single mom of three and a strike would throw a wrench into her plans.In Pierce County, teachers in Tacoma Public Schools and the Bethel School District are still fighting for more pay.With most classes scheduled to start next week, the drama over contract negotiations has a big population of families in Western Washington wondering if their teachers will strike.“It’s our turn to demand that money and that we deserve that money,” Laura Hittenrauch, with Bethel Education Association, said.On Tuesday night, Seattle teachers voted to authorize a strike, meaning the district and the union would have to agree on a deal by Wednesday, Sept. 5, to avoid the disruption of the first week of school.Dozens of districts have agreed to double digit pay increases for their teachers but there are many others still in limbo with just days before the start of school.If there is a strike, the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound will open their doors to any family.
Teacher strikes in Washington delay school for over 75,000 students
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — The school year has been delayed for more than 75,000 students in southwestern Washington state after teachers and districts failed to reach contract agreements mostly over salaries.Teachers in seven school districts were on strike Wednesday, according to the Washington Education Association, which represents state teachers.More walkouts were possible in the state as teachers union and the districts try to negotiate salary agreements.Educators in Seattle — the state's largest school district — voted Tuesday to authorize a strike unless a deal is reached by the time classes are set to begin on Sept. 5.
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — The school year has been delayed for more than 75,000 students in southwestern Washington state after teachers and districts failed to reach contract agreements mostly over salaries.Teachers in seven school districts were on strike Wednesday, according to the Washington Education Association, which represents state teachers.More walkouts were possible in the state as teachers union and the districts try to negotiate salary agreements.Educators in Seattle — the state's largest school district — voted Tuesday to authorize a strike unless a deal is reached by the time classes are set to begin on Sept. 5.
Seattle teachers vote to strike if no tentative contract agreement by Wednesday
SEATTLE – Teachers in Seattle voted Tuesday night to authorize a strike unless an agreement is reached with the state's largest district by the time school resumes Sept. 5.Teachers in Longview, Evergreen and Washougal are already on strike and Camas and Sultan educators voted Monday night to authorize strikes if an agreement isn't met by the time school begins next week.Teachers in the state's largest school district, Seattle, voted Tuesday night on a strike authorization just three years after their last one.
SEATTLE – Teachers in Seattle voted Tuesday night to authorize a strike unless an agreement is reached with the state's largest district by the time school resumes Sept. 5.Teachers in Longview, Evergreen and Washougal are already on strike and Camas and Sultan educators voted Monday night to authorize strikes if an agreement isn't met by the time school begins next week.Teachers in the state's largest school district, Seattle, voted Tuesday night on a strike authorization just three years after their last one.
Many teachers negotiate double-digit pay increases as others talk about strikes
SEATTLE -- Many teachers have scored big pay hikes as they get ready to start another school year.“In Western Washington, there have been double-digit pay raises for districts like Sedro-Woolley Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Lake Washington,” Washington Education Association spokesperson Rich Wood said.But teachers in other districts such as Bethel, Seattle and Tacoma have not been able to reach a deal so far.
SEATTLE -- Many teachers have scored big pay hikes as they get ready to start another school year.“In Western Washington, there have been double-digit pay raises for districts like Sedro-Woolley Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Lake Washington,” Washington Education Association spokesperson Rich Wood said.But teachers in other districts such as Bethel, Seattle and Tacoma have not been able to reach a deal so far.
Teachers in Stanwood-Camano, Highline districts vote to authorize strikes for pay increases
STANWOOD, Wash. -- Stanwood-Camano teachers voted Thursday to authorize their bargaining team to call a strike if a tentative contract agreement is not reached when their current pact expires Aug. 31.The first day of the strike would be Sept. 4, the first day of classes.The teachers' union, the Stanwood-Camano Education Association, said that like other districts, the Stanwood-Camano School District is receiving a net increase of millions of dollars in coming years because of the state Supreme Court's McCleary decision, which ordered the state to increase K-12 funding."For Stanwood-Camano this amounts to more than $9 million, most of which is for an educator salary correction," the teachers' union said in a news release.Stanwood-Camano district administrators have no excuse for not negotiating the significant pay raises that teachers need, Stanwood-Camano Education Association President Nyda Goldstein said.Educators in some 30 school districts across Washington already have negotiated double-digit percentage pay raises this summer, the news release said.Also on Thursday, teachers in the Highline School District voted to authorize their union to call a strike if no tentative contract agreement is reached by Sept. 4.Classes in Highline are scheduled to start Sept. 5."Our teachers simply want a fair and equitable settlement," Highline Education Association President Sue McCabe said, adding that Highline administrators "have no excuse" for not negotiating "significant pay raises we need."The Highline School District has about 19,000 students, and the Highline Education Association represents more than 1,350 certified teachers.
STANWOOD, Wash. -- Stanwood-Camano teachers voted Thursday to authorize their bargaining team to call a strike if a tentative contract agreement is not reached when their current pact expires Aug. 31.The first day of the strike would be Sept. 4, the first day of classes.The teachers' union, the Stanwood-Camano Education Association, said that like other districts, the Stanwood-Camano School District is receiving a net increase of millions of dollars in coming years because of the state Supreme Court's McCleary decision, which ordered the state to increase K-12 funding."For Stanwood-Camano this amounts to more than $9 million, most of which is for an educator salary correction," the teachers' union said in a news release.Stanwood-Camano district administrators have no excuse for not negotiating the significant pay raises that teachers need, Stanwood-Camano Education Association President Nyda Goldstein said.Educators in some 30 school districts across Washington already have negotiated double-digit percentage pay raises this summer, the news release said.Also on Thursday, teachers in the Highline School District voted to authorize their union to call a strike if no tentative contract agreement is reached by Sept. 4.Classes in Highline are scheduled to start Sept. 5."Our teachers simply want a fair and equitable settlement," Highline Education Association President Sue McCabe said, adding that Highline administrators "have no excuse" for not negotiating "significant pay raises we need."The Highline School District has about 19,000 students, and the Highline Education Association represents more than 1,350 certified teachers.
WSU short of dorm rooms as it welcomes largest freshman class
Washington State University is preparing to welcome the largest freshman class in its history, and is short of dorm rooms to house them.
Washington State University is preparing to welcome the largest freshman class in its history, and is short of dorm rooms to house them.
Kent public school teachers rally for better pay; threaten strike in the fall
Teachers in Kent rallied for better pay ahead of a district meeting Thursday where the teacher's union presented a counterproposal.
Teachers in Kent rallied for better pay ahead of a district meeting Thursday where the teacher's union presented a counterproposal.
Bill Gates among billionaires fueling US charter schools movement
Dollar for dollar, the beleaguered movement to bring charter schools to Washington state has had no bigger champion than billionaire Bill Gates.
Dollar for dollar, the beleaguered movement to bring charter schools to Washington state has had no bigger champion than billionaire Bill Gates.
Teacher's final request: Backpacks full of school supplies for needy students at her funeral
An elementary school teacher in Georgia made one final request before she died earlier this month of cancer: Instead of flowers, she wanted school supplies for needy students.
An elementary school teacher in Georgia made one final request before she died earlier this month of cancer: Instead of flowers, she wanted school supplies for needy students.
The states that spend the most (and least) on public education
Based on the analysis, states in the Northeast tend to spend the most money per pupil, with New York (ranked #1) spending three times more per pupil than Utah (ranked #51).
Based on the analysis, states in the Northeast tend to spend the most money per pupil, with New York (ranked #1) spending three times more per pupil than Utah (ranked #51).