After a summer of negotiations, Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association teacher’s union have reached a deal that grants educators across the district a new contract and allows the school year to start on time.
In statements sent to KIRO, both SPS and SEA confirmed the agreement and announced the school year will start on September 2.
According to a press release from SPS, Grades 1-12 students will begin classes on Sept. 2, while preschool and kindergarten students will begin classes on Sept. 8.
The tentative agreement remains subject to ratification by both parties. The Seattle Education Association membership and the Seattle School Board must each convene to consider and vote on the agreement. Dates for those votes have not yet been released.
“I am excited to welcome students, families, and staff back to school tomorrow. I am grateful for the hard work, thoughtful conversations, and shared commitment to Seattle’s students that resulted in this tentative agreement,” SPS Superintendent Ben Shuldiner said in a press release announcing the agreement.
In the same press release, SEA Vice President and lead bargainer Davina Diaz said she looks forward to “a new, more positive and collaborative relationship with SPS.”
This is a developing story; more information will be provided as it becomes available.