Parents roll with the punches during Tumwater strike

There’s no end in sight for the teacher strike in Tumwater.

The district canceled classes Friday and announced it will be filing an enforcement hearing date to try to get teachers into the classroom.

While bargaining continues, parents are working to keep kids busy.

“It’s very nice to have something during the day because it’s tough if we have to take work off during the day,” said Justin Ruiz.

Ruiz said the South Sound YMCA’s child care has been a lifesaver for his family during the Tumwater strike. He’s brought his daughter and son to Y-Care almost every day.

“Every night she’s saying, ‘I hope I go to school tomorrow,’ and I just tell her, ‘It’s going to be here sooner or later, we’re going to get it going,’” he said.

It’s hard to tell when school will start.

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“We’re in this for the long haul. We’re not backing down, we’re stepping up,” said Tumwater Education Association President Tim Voie.

As kids played inside the middle school, teachers walked the picket lines outside.

South Sound YMCA President Kyle Cronk said they’ll lend parents a helping hand as long as the strike goes on.

“The community is really what we want to make sure is strong, regardless of what else is going on. Education is super important. It’s something we support as well,” he said.

KIRO 7 asked parents if they’re worried about their kids falling behind.

“It’s your job to teach your kids. Teachers aren’t babysitters, so when they go back to class I feel confident that my kids and our family will be able to pick right up where they left off,” said Savannah Smith. “Yes, it’s a little bit inconvenient, but you work it out.”

Although parents said they’re rolling with the punches, they hope the district and the TEA come to an agreement soon.

“As it goes longer, it’s probably going to be a little more of an issue,” said Ruiz.

YMCA holds child care at Tumwater Middle School weekdays from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Families don’t have to be members to use Y-Care.

Cox Media Group