With just weeks to go until the start of the school year, Seattle Public Schools teacher contract negotiations are moving very slowly.
In an update early last week, Seattle Education Association (SEA) Vice President Davina Diaz reported that the two sides had “moved the needle” on very few of the 57 proposals the union brought to the table. The union represents about 5,800 educators.
“SEA has put on the table all 18 of our ‘small’ issues, called that because we believe they’re less expensive and easier to reach agreement on. So far we have reached agreement on two of those,” Diaz wrote in an August 7 community update. “Though we put them on the table, we haven’t discussed the biggest issues– traditionally the most expensive issues go last. We’re committed to winning more time for supporting students in our days, safer schools, and respectful pay.”
So far, negotiators for the district and teachers have discussed protections for sanctuary schools and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, a district proposal regarding use of security cameras, extra teachers’ hours, and teachers’ “right to return.” The latter gives an educator who was moved or laid off due to budget cuts or lower student counts the priority to go back to their original school or job if that exact position opens up again.
The union frames its wage and benefits demands around three yardsticks, according to SEA: “what SPS can afford, how SEA’s contract compares with others in the area, and how it compares with the cost of living in King County.” Its central request is “competitive wages” across every job category the contract covers, though the union wants office professionals and paraprofessionals in particular to see bigger percentage increases.
The remaining proposals outlined by SEA focus on giving educators more support in the classroom. Among those priorities are reducing class sizes, ensuring every school has sufficient academic, behavioral, social, and mental health resources, and providing stronger support for teachers who share responsibility for special education classrooms. The union has also added a new proposal in response to this summer’s increase in federal immigration enforcement. It is asking Seattle Public Schools to formally designate all school campuses—including school buildings and surrounding grounds—as sanctuary spaces for students, families, and staff.
In an August 6 update to union members, Diaz was noted she was not impressed with some proposals that SPS has so far put on the table. For teachers, Diaz said, those offerings are tantamount to “longer work days, more control over our time, and [taking] back the pay we get for the extra work we do when substitutes are unavailable.”
Diaz added: “It is nice to hear the district tell us they expect us to say no and come back with something we like more. ”
Officials at Seattle Public Schools said the district has faith in the process.
“While we realize much remains to be done, we are optimistic about what we can accomplish together,” said district spokesperson Beverly Redmond. “Our bargaining approach is focused on meeting our students’ needs while responsibly sustaining our limited public dollars over the long term. This is consistent with the direction the School Board provided through a resolution adopted in July, which directs the district to bargain in good faith, with mutual respect, and in a manner that supports the district’s long-term fiscal health.
“The process is ongoing,” Redmond added. “The district is at the table on a near-daily basis and deeply engaged. Bargaining works best between the parties, in good faith, at the table – and that is where our focus remains.”
The union negotiating team has asked for more bargaining dates beyond the six currently scheduled:
“SEA is feeling the urgency,” Diaz said. “By the end of the month, the SEA membership will have to vote on approving a tentative agreement with the district or on a strike authorization. We do not want to strike, but I share the possibility to be completely transparent about what’s on the horizon. We are confident that if the district shares our urgency, we can get to an agreement.”
“We need to move faster,” Diaz said.
