Vancouver, WA, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools announced a closure on September 3 as a result of an ongoing strike by the Public School Employees of Washington Union. The strike, involving around 1,400 workers, stems from unresolved contract negotiations concerning wage increases and compensation. With concerns for student support and meal provisions during the closure, the district has committed to provide updates as mediation continues in hopes of reaching an agreement soon.
Vancouver, WA – Evergreen Public Schools has announced that there will be no school on Wednesday, September 3, due to the ongoing strike by the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) Union. This decision is a result of unresolved contract negotiations between the district and the union, which represents around 1,400 workers, including bus drivers, IT workers, paraprofessionals, and classroom support staff.
This marks the second consecutive delay in the school year for Evergreen Public Schools as district officials seek additional time for bargaining teams to come to a resolution. The PSE Union’s demands include higher wages and compensation for work performed beyond contracted hours, which have been points of contention in the negotiations.
Despite having the option to continue with the previous contract for another year, union leaders have opted to strike, emphasizing their need for better compensation. Current proposals from the district offer a 4.5% pay increase for paraprofessionals, a 3.5% increase for transportation staff, and a 2.5% increase for service workers. However, PSE leadership argues these increases are insufficient to retain staff and address rising insurance costs that would surpass the proposed salary raises.
The strike has affected local schools, causing significant disruptions, including the absence of ten paraeducators at one site, leading to concerns about the level of student support. In response to the closures, the district will provide free breakfast and lunch at designated pick-up locations for students during the strike.
The district has assured families that updates regarding the school’s status will be provided daily. Mediation meetings are scheduled to continue, as the district expressed its willingness to negotiate and reach an agreement as soon as possible.
As this situation develops, the urgency to settle the contract is felt by all parties involved, as students, parents, and staff await a resolution that allows classes to resume. Both the district and the PSE Union are focused on finding common ground to ensure the well-being and education of students in the Evergreen community.
Background Context
The PSE Union’s strike and the subsequent school closures reflect broader trends in labor relations where public employees lobby for better pay and working conditions, particularly as inflation and healthcare costs rise. For many PSE employees, who often work part-time, their wage structures are tightly linked to student hours, leading to the adopted “bell-to-bell” policy whereby they are compensated only for the time students are on campus.
This ongoing labor dispute highlights the challenges school districts face in providing adequately funded support staff positions while adhering to budgetary constraints. The upcoming mediation attempts aim to bridge the gap between the district’s financial limitations and the union’s demands for fair compensation and working conditions.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Evergreen Public Schools closed on September 3?
The school is closed due to an ongoing strike by the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) Union, which has not yet reached a contract agreement with the district.
What are the main demands of the PSE Union?
The PSE Union is seeking higher wages and compensation for work performed beyond contracted hours. They believe current proposals from the district are insufficient for staff retention.
What will happen to school meals during the closure?
The district will provide free breakfast and lunch for students at designated pick-up locations during the strike.
How will families be informed about the status of school operations?
The Evergreen Public Schools district will provide daily updates to families regarding the status of school operations as negotiations continue.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | September 3 |
| Union Involved | Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) |
| Number of Workers Represented | Around 1,400 |
| Main Concerns | Wage increases, compensation for additional work |
| Current District Proposal | 4.5% for paraprofessionals, 3.5% for transportation staff, 2.5% for service workers |
| Student Meals During Closure | Free breakfast and lunch available at specified locations |
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Additional Resources
- KATU News
- Wikipedia: Teacher Strike
- KGW News
- Google Search: Evergreen Public Schools Strike
- KPTV News
- Google Scholar: Education Union Negotiations
- Washington State Standard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- KOIN News
- Google News: Evergreen Public Schools
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