News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools has postponed the 2025-26 school year start to September 2 amid ongoing negotiations with the PSE union. The delay is linked to a recent strike vote initiated by the union, representing essential support staff. Superintendent Dr. Christine Moloney aims to minimize uncertainty for families and staff, as over 90% of PSE workers show strong support for fair contract demands. The district is trying to balance financial challenges with the need for competitive wages and conditions for its employees.
Evergreen, Washington – Evergreen Public Schools has announced a delay in the start of the 2025-26 school year, rescheduling it to September 2, 2025. This decision comes amid ongoing negotiations with the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 (PSE), which represents a variety of support staff including paraeducators, bus drivers, security officers, and maintenance workers.
The PSE union recently voted to initiate a strike, which was originally set to begin on August 26, the first day of school as per the original calendar. The delay of classes is related to this strike threat as the union seeks a fair contract for its members, who have been without a contract for the past six months. To show their support, the Evergreen Education Association, which represents teachers, has agreed to honor the picket lines established by the PSE, thereby increasing solidarity among the district’s employees.
Superintendent Dr. Christine Moloney stated that the delay in the school year’s start allows for additional time to negotiate with the union before their current contract expires on August 30. This measure is intended to reduce uncertainty for students, families, and staff during the negotiation process. The school district faces significant budget challenges that impact its financial decision-making and are aimed at sustaining the overall health of the district.
More than 90% of PSE workers voted in favor of the strike, demonstrating strong support for the union’s demands. Union members have voiced concerns regarding low wages, particularly when compared to those in retail positions, despite the essential roles they play in the education of students. Workers are advocating for pay raises that reflect the rising cost of living. Union member Derek Sytsma highlighted that his earnings are insufficient, especially given the importance of his role in the educational system.
The union has been advocating for competitive wages while the district has presented a final offer that includes options for either two- or three-year contracts, along with proposed salary increases. The union has been vocal about the necessity for guaranteed fair wages and adequate working conditions prior to the strike vote.
The delay in the start of the school year marks a significant development in the ongoing negotiations between Evergreen Public Schools and its support staff. Both parties appear committed to finding a resolution that addresses the needs and concerns of the union members while navigating the financial limitations faced by the district.
As negotiations continue, students, families, and educational staff will be monitoring the situation closely, hoping for a resolution that enables a smooth start to the academic year in early September.
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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
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
