Evergreen Public Schools Postpones Start of School Year

News Summary

Evergreen Public Schools has delayed the start of the school year to early September due to a potential strike by unionized support staff. The decision follows overwhelming support from union members for a strike amidst stalled contract negotiations. The district is facing budget challenges while the union demands higher wages. Both parties are at an impasse, with the community awaiting resolution as the start date approaches.

Vancouver, WA – Evergreen Public Schools has postponed the start of the 2025-26 school year to the first week of September due to a potential strike by unionized support staff. Classes are now set to commence on September 2, following the district’s decision ahead of the previously scheduled start date of August 26. This change comes amid ongoing negotiations with the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 (PSE), which encompasses paraeducators, bus drivers, security officers, and maintenance workers.

The union recently voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike, with more than 90% of the PSE’s workforce supporting the action. The union has been without a contract for the past six months and is seeking higher wages to keep pace with rising living costs. This significant demand has put pressure on the negotiations, leading to the decision to delay the school year, as the existing contract is set to expire on August 30.

The Evergreen Education Association, representing the district’s teachers, has expressed solidarity with the union and has committed to honoring the picket line if a strike were to occur. Dr. Christine Moloney, the superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools, stated that delaying the start date aims to alleviate uncertainty for families, students, and staff during ongoing negotiations.

Both sides are at an impasse over wage increases and working conditions. The district has reported facing significant budget challenges that complicate their ability to meet the union’s demands while maintaining the overall financial health of the school district. Last week, the district communicated a final offer that included proposals for two- or three-year contracts with salary increases, but the union has insisted on guarantees of competitive pay and better working conditions before moving forward.

Derek Sytsma, a union member, highlighted the disparity between the wages of educational support staff and those in retail positions, indicating that despite the critical nature of their work in the education system, compensation remains notably low. This situation has fueled the urgency for the union’s call for fair pay that reflects their essential contributions to the learning environment.

The delay in the school year’s start provides further opportunity for both the district and the union to engage in meaningful negotiations. While the district is attempting to manage financial limitations, the union continues to advocate for its demands, emphasizing the need for wage adjustments that align with economic conditions faced by workers. The community remains watchful as these negotiations unfold, with both families and staff eager for a resolution that ensures a stable start to the upcoming school year.

As the situation develops, parents and students are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing negotiations and the implications of the potential strike. Evergreen Public Schools has indicated they will communicate updates as more information becomes available.

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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