SEATTLE — The Seattle Education Association will vote Friday on whether to approve the new contract with Seattle Public Schools (SPS).
SPS and the teachers’ union reached a tentative deal right before the deadline last week, preventing a strike and allowing students to start the school year on time.
The school year is underway, but the deal that kept Seattle teachers in the classroom isn’t final yet.
After months of bargaining and a strike authorization this summer, the two sides finally have a tentative agreement, and now union members get to decide if it sticks.
91% of SEA members voted to authorize a strike if a deal couldn’t be reached, but union leaders said a walkout would be a last resort.
The two sides say they have agreements on all 52 issues that were on the bargaining table.
That includes compensation, class sizes and special education, along with more support for student mental health and an increase in the number of school psychologists.
Last week, KIRO 7 News asked Superintendent Ben Shuldiner what happens if the deal isn’t ratified.
“Is there a possibility? Sure, but it’s very very small,” he said. “I’d hope it’s up to the union; it’s up to the board, but what’s nice of having the tentative agreement means we can go to work; we can go to school.”
Friday’s vote puts the tentative deal in the hands of about 6 thousand union members.
The last strike - in 2022 led to a five-day walkout and a delay to the school year.
The deal also comes as the district faces significant financial pressure … with a budget gap of around 100 million dollars … while teachers had been pushing for raises above inflation.
The current district budget for 2026 2027 school year is 1-point-34 billion dollars.
The union vote is set for 5 p.m. today, and if members ratify the contract, it will then go to the school board for final approval.
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