Mediator joins Seattle teacher contract talks; no agreement reached

SEATTLE — Contract talks continued Saturday for Seattle teachers.

A mediator from the Public Employment Relations Commission joined the negation talks in hopes of helping the teachers and the school board to resolve their remaining disagreements and avoid a teachers strike.

The current contract ends Saturday, and school is scheduled to start Wednesday.

After the midday Saturday talks, an agreement was not reached.

Officials with the Seattle Public Schools said the Seattle Education Association has scheduled a vote for Tuesday on an updated proposal.

Jonathan Knap of the Seattle Education Association told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News that members will meet Tuesday evening to either approve a contract or take further action.

"Seattle educators are standing up for a fair contract that focuses on what Seattle students really need -- more time for teachers to teach and students to learn," said Knapp. "The Seattle School Board's current proposal falls far short of what educators know Seattle's children need and deserve."

The mediator will continue to work with the two parties.

KIRO