News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, WA, will be closed on Monday as unionized staff continue their strike against the district. This marks the second consecutive Monday of canceled classes, impacting thousands of students. Although the schools are closed, the Administrative Service Center will operate normally. The dispute arises from ongoing negotiations, with the district and union yet to reach an agreement. Free meals and childcare services are being offered during the strike, which began alongside the new school year, highlighting challenges for parents and students.
Vancouver, WA – Evergreen Public Schools will be closed on Monday due to an ongoing strike by the Public School Employees (PSE) Large Group classified union. This marks the second consecutive Monday of canceled classes, greatly affecting thousands of students within the Vancouver-area district.
While school buildings will be shut down, the Administrative Service Center will maintain regular operating hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The closure comes after no agreement was reached during weekend negotiations between the district and the union. Union members are scheduled to continue picketing at the District Office from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, located at 13413 N.E. LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive in Vancouver.
The union disputes the district’s assertion that the PSE team walked away from bargaining. Union officials contend that the district requested an end to negotiations after Evergreen PSE made five proposals while the district provided only one counteroffer. The union has expressed its commitment to bargaining in good faith, stating that their efforts are for the benefit of students, not against them.
Bargaining teams from the district met with union representatives on Friday and Saturday and are set to convene again on Monday morning. The district is working towards a resolution it deems fair and sustainable, particularly in light of current budget constraints.
In response to the strike, the district has announced the provision of free meals to students at two high school locations. Meals will be available at Heritage High School from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and at Mountain View High School from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Additionally, child care services have been expanded to assist families during this period. Right at School will conduct Family Care Camps at nine elementary schools from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, while the Clark County Family YMCA will offer camps for district students from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Although middle and high school athletics and activities will continue during the strike, families should note that transportation will not be provided by the district. Families will receive specific schedules and details regarding locations directly from their schools.
The strike commenced on August 22, coinciding with the students’ return for the new school year. As a result, many parents faced challenges in securing child care and meal arrangements for their children. On Friday, the Evergreen Public Schools Board of Directors voted unanimously to authorize legal action against the striking workers, labeling the strike as “unlawful.” This decision follows the union’s rejection of the district’s “final offer” in a vote taken the previous Thursday prior to ongoing negotiations.
Background context reveals that the strike highlights tensions between Evergreen Public Schools and the union representing classified employees, a group that includes paraprofessionals, custodians, and other support staff. Such employees play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of daily school functions. As negotiations continue, both sides are under pressure to find an amicable resolution that meets the needs of classified staff while ensuring minimal disruption to students and their education.
As parents and students navigate these challenges, they are encouraged to stay informed about developments regarding the strike and any further changes to school operations.
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Additional Resources
- KPTV: Evergreen Public Schools No Class Announcement
- KGW: Evergreen Public Schools Classes Canceled
- Washington State Standard: Strike Delays Start of Classes
- Seattle Times: Evergreen Public Schools Strike Continues
- KOIN: Class Canceled for Evergreen Public Schools
- Wikipedia: Teacher Strike
- Google Search: Evergreen Public Schools Strike
- Google Scholar: Evergreen Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher Union Strike
- Google News: Evergreen Public Schools
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