A strike could leave families with little time to arrange child care or make other plans.
Seattle Public Schools and the union representing educators have yet to reach a new contract agreement, raising the possibility of a strike that could delay the start of the school year.
Classes are scheduled to begin Wednesday, Sept. 2. The Seattle Education Association said educators could decide whether to strike as late as Tuesday night if an agreement is not reached.
A strike could leave families with little time to arrange child care or make other plans.
“I have faith in them and the school district to not leave the parents hanging,” Seattle Public Schools parent Paul Spitzenberger said.
Other parents said they would support educators if they strike.
“It’s kind of a bummer for the kids because they’re really excited to start school, but I support the teachers union,” parent Brady Sprouse said.
The union represents teachers, counselors, nurses and other staff. Educators are seeking additional special education support, raises of 1% to 2% above inflation and reduced pressure on staff.
Seattle Public Schools psychologist Vaughan Amare said staff members are overworked and underpaid.
“We have 60 psychologists spread across 106 sites, so it’s very difficult to have the kind of time that’s needed that schools are really looking for when they need a referral for special education, when they have questions about what kind of interventions a student might need,” Amare said.
The negotiations come as the district works to close an $87 million budget gap. The school board recently approved a recommended budget that includes staffing changes and other cuts.
The last Seattle teachers strike was in 2022, when educators sought higher pay and smaller student-to-teacher ratios. That strike delayed the start of school by one week.
Seattle Public Schools nurse and parent Katy McDermott acknowledged families’ frustrations as negotiations continue.
“Encourage the district to come to us with a great deal,” McDermott said.
A district spokesperson said a statement was in the works. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner said Tuesday that bargaining was continuing “in good faith and with respect for our labor partners.”
“The opportunity for conversation and progress remains,” Shuldiner said.
The Seattle Education Association said it had been bargaining with the district throughout the day and expected the latest session to continue late into the night. Tuesday marked the 25th bargaining session between the union and Seattle Public Schools since June.
