SEATTLE — Around 91% of the Seattle Education Association union employees voted to authorize a strike, making for an uncertain start to the school year for Seattle Public Schools (SPS).
The work stoppage comes as the union’s current contract was set to expire. Seattle Education Association represents 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, and office staff. SPS is Washington’s largest district.
Bargaining teams told KIRO 7 that they have held 24 negotiation sessions, but union representatives report that the two sides have agreed on roughly 12% of contract terms.
Key issues in negotiations include wages, class sizes, workloads, and staffing levels for special education students. Seattle Public Schools previously experienced a teacher strike in 2022, which resulted in delaying the school year by five days.
“Our members have spoken, and we are united in our commitment to Seattle students,” said SEA Vice President and Lead Bargainer. “We are ready to keep working toward an agreement that gives educators the conditions we need to support every student and build the thriving schools our community deserves.”
Bargaining Team members point to Special Education supports, respectful pay, and easing pressurization on educators as the major sticking points.
The vote does not mean the educators are definitely striking but does mean that should the district not bring a student-centered proposal to the table before school starts Sept. 2, the educators can call a strike.
“We don’t want to strike, but unless the district starts prioritizing student learning and supports, the district is giving us no choice,” said SEA President Ibijoke Idowu.
Before the vote, educators participating in the union meeting expressed frustration over the pace of negotiations.
Katy McDermott, a school nurse, told KIRO 7 that talks have been underway for a while.
“We’re pretty frustrated. We thought we’d be farther along right now, especially since we started in June,” McDermott said.
Price Jimerson, a high school teacher, emphasized the staff’s desire to reach a resolution.
“We just want to get the process over so we can relax, rest and be ready for our students as soon as possible,” Jimerson said.
The labor dispute coincides with significant financial challenges for Seattle Public Schools, which is attempting to close an $87 million budget gap following years of declining enrollment by thousands of students.
District leaders previously shelved a plan to close schools after parents mounted a campaign opposing the closures.
Ben Shuldiner, superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, addressed the financial situation earlier this summer.
“Everything is on the table; I have to say that,” Shuldiner said regarding budget options.
He noted that the district plans to address costs through administrative restructuring.
“Summer (of 2026), we’re going to be doing a reorganization of the central office. We think that’s going to save us significant money,” Shuldiner said. “I am not going to promise anything I don’t believe in.”
Shuldiner stressed that he would entertain any and all options.