Seattle Public Schools faced the prospect of first-day closures on Wednesday, September 2, as negotiators worked against an 11.59pm deadline to prevent a strike by the Seattle Education Association.
The union, which represents about 6,000 teachers, instructional assistants, office professionals and other staff, has authorised industrial action if no new contract is agreed. Nearly 50,000 pupils could be affected if classes do not begin as scheduled.
Talks continued at the John Stanford Center on Tuesday, with a state mediator involved after negotiations faltered over the weekend. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner said progress had been made and that the district would provide updates every two hours through the evening.
A final decision on whether schools would open was expected by 5.30am on Wednesday, according to the district. Union members were preparing to picket if the deadline passed without an agreement.
Special education has emerged as one of the main disputes. Seattle Public Schools wants to reorganise provision so more pupils can receive support at their neighbourhood schools, while the union has raised concerns about proposed changes to staffing levels, class groupings and the number of paraeducators available.
The district has also cited a significant budget shortfall as it argues against meeting all of the union’s demands. Its latest proposal includes an 8.8 per cent pay increase over three years, on top of annual cost-of-living adjustments, while the union is seeking higher pay for lower-paid staff, smaller classes and stronger special education services.
“Everybody wants school to open on Wednesday, and that is certainly our intent,” Mr Shuldiner said at a press briefing.
Seattle Public Schools said its offer would also expand behavioural support, school psychology, counselling and social work provision. It has proposed dozens of new support posts and changes intended to improve staffing ratios for pupils with individualised education programmes.
Seattle school closures: contingency plans for families
If a strike goes ahead, schools would not operate as normal, but the district said pupils would be able to collect takeaway breakfast and lunch bags between 9am and 1pm. Some non-profit organisations working in school buildings would also remain open.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of King County said it would provide full-day programmes for children already enrolled in its after-school services, with limited places available for new registrations.
Seattle School Board president Gina Topp urged the district and union to reach an agreement that supports pupils, addresses special education needs and recognises educators’ work, while remaining financially sustainable.
“We urge SEA and SPS to reach an agreement today,” she said, warning that a failure to do so could cause serious disruption for families as the new school year begins.
