Evergreen, Washington, August 23, 2025
News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools has delayed the start of the school year to September 2 due to ongoing negotiations with the PSE union, which represents essential support staff. This change impacts families and staff who were preparing for the original start date of August 26. The union has voted to strike over demands for better wages and working conditions, highlighting the disparity in compensation compared to other sectors. The delay is a critical moment in labor relations within the district as both parties seek a resolution.
Evergreen, Washington – Evergreen Public Schools has announced a significant adjustment to the upcoming academic calendar, delaying the start of the 2025-26 school year until September 2, 2025. This decision comes in light of ongoing negotiations with the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 (PSE), which represents vital support staff such as paraeducators, bus drivers, security officers, and maintenance workers.
The PSE union’s decision to vote for a strike had originally set the first day of school for August 26, but following the district’s announcement, families and staff are now faced with altered plans for the beginning of the school year. It is important to note that the union views this delay not as a calendar change but as a direct consequence of the impending strike, which they are preparing to carry out to advocate for better working conditions and wages.
In a show of solidarity, the Evergreen Education Association, which represents teachers, stated they will honor the picket lines set up by the PSE. This collective action highlights the importance of the issues at stake for all employees involved in the educational framework of the district.
EPS Superintendent Dr. Christine Moloney expressed that the delay affords additional time for negotiations with the union, especially with the current contract set to expire on August 30, just days before the originally scheduled school start date. The district aims to mitigate uncertainty as discussions unfold between school administrators and union representatives.
The PSE union’s need for a strike stems from an ongoing struggle for fair compensation, with members pointing out that many employees have been working without a contract for six months. The union emphasizes that workers are seeking wages that reflect the cost of living, as many staff members reportedly earn less than their counterparts in retail roles despite their crucial contributions to the educational environment.
Interestingly, over 90% of PSE members voted in favor of the strike, signaling a strong desire for change within the district. Union representatives, including member Derek Sytsma, have highlighted the disparities in pay compared to other sectors, urging for competitive wages and improved working conditions.
However, the Evergreen Public Schools district has stated that it is facing significant budget challenges that could affect its financial decisions moving forward. The district recently presented a final offer to the union, which included options for either a two- or three-year contract with proposed salary increases. While an offer has been made, union members continue to advocate for long-term guarantees of fair pay and proper working conditions before any potential resolution can be deemed satisfactory.
This unprecedented delay in the start of the school year reflects serious concerns both about labor relations within the district and the importance of addressing employee demands in a timely manner. As the negotiations progress, all eyes will be on how both parties can arrive at a mutual agreement that ultimately benefits the students, families, and educators of Evergreen Public Schools.
FAQ
Why has Evergreen Public Schools delayed the start of the 2025-26 school year?
The start of the school year has been delayed to September 2, 2025, due to ongoing negotiations with the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 (PSE), which has threatened to strike starting on the initially scheduled school opening date of August 26.
What is the PSE union seeking in their negotiations?
The PSE union is advocating for higher wages that reflect the current cost of living and better working conditions, as many of their members have been without a contract for six months.
How many PSE employees voted in favor of the strike?
More than 90% of PSE union members voted in favor of the strike, reflecting a strong consensus among staff for the need for better compensation and working conditions.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Start Date | The school year will now start on September 2, 2025. |
| Union Activity | The union has voted to strike over negotiations for fair wages and working conditions. |
| Date of Original Start | The school year was initially set to start on August 26, 2025. |
| Union Support | The Evergreen Education Association will honor the picket lines set up by the PSE. |
| Budget Concerns | The district is facing significant budget challenges impacting negotiations. |
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Additional Resources
- KOIN: Evergreen Schools Prepping for Union’s First-Ever Strike
- OregonLive: Signs a Teacher Strike Could Land in No School November
- KPTV: Evergreen Public Schools Union Workers Schedule Strike Vote
- Google Search: Evergreen Public Schools
- Axios: PPS Teachers Strike, Public School Students Affected
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Strike
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