Vancouver, WA, September 8, 2025
News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, WA, will remain closed as a strike by the Public School Employees (PSE) Large Group classified union enters its second week. Negotiations have stalled, prompting daily picketing efforts at the District Office. The school district is offering free meals at select high schools and providing expanded childcare options during this period of disruption, which is affecting thousands of students and their families.
Vancouver, WA – Evergreen Public Schools will remain closed on Monday, marking the second consecutive week of cancellations due to a strike initiated by the Public School Employees (PSE) Large Group classified union. The ongoing labor dispute disrupts classes for thousands of students in the Vancouver-area district.
Despite attempts to negotiate an agreement over the weekend, no resolution was reached between the school district and union representatives. As a result, school buildings will be closed, but the Administrative Service Center will maintain regular operating hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The union plans to continue its picketing efforts daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the District Office located at 13413 N.E. LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive in Vancouver.
Union officials counter the district’s assertion that the PSE team “walked away from bargaining,” classifying such claims as false. They reported that after submitting five proposals, the district only provided one counteroffer before requesting to conclude negotiations. During this period of striking, union leadership emphasized their commitment to negotiating in good faith, maintaining that their actions are motivated by the best interests of students.
The district’s bargaining teams met over the past weekend and are scheduled to reconvene on Monday morning. District officials reiterated their goal of reaching a fair and sustainable agreement while managing current budget constraints. The strike, which began on August 22, coincided with the start of the new school year, posing additional challenges for families needing childcare and meal solutions.
In response to the disruption caused by the strike, the district is offering free meals to students at two high schools. Meals will be available at Heritage High School from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and at Mountain View High School from 10 to 11:30 a.m. In addition, childcare provisions have been expanded for parents. Right at School will manage Family Care Camps at nine elementary schools from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, while the Clark County Family YMCA will provide camps for district students from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
While middle and high school athletics and activities will proceed as scheduled, it is essential to note that the district will not provide transportation for those events. Families are expected to receive detailed information and schedules directly from their respective schools.
In a recent development, the Evergreen Public Schools Board of Directors voted unanimously to permit legal action against the striking employees, declaring the strike “unlawful.” Previously, the union had rejected the district’s “final offer” in a vote held on Thursday, just before the continued negotiations began.
This labor dispute marks a critical point in Evergreen Public Schools, raising questions about future negotiations and the impact on students and families in the district.
FAQ
Why are Evergreen Public Schools closed?
Evergreen Public Schools are closed due to a strike by the classified employees represented by the Public School Employees (PSE) Large Group union, which has entered its second week.
When will schools reopen?
It is currently unclear when schools will reopen, as negotiations between the district and the union are ongoing with no agreement reached as of now.
What support is available for students during the strike?
The district is providing free meals to students at specific high schools and has expanded childcare options through Right at School and the Clark County Family YMCA.
Is the strike considered lawful?
The Evergreen Public Schools Board of Directors recently deemed the strike “unlawful” and has permitted legal action against the striking workers.
Key Features of the Evergreen Public Schools Strike
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Strike Duration | Ongoing for two weeks |
| Schools Affected | All Evergreen Public Schools |
| Picketing Hours | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily |
| Location of Picketing | District Office, 13413 N.E. LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive |
| Childcare Services | Right at School and Clark County Family YMCA’s camps |
| Free Meals Offered | Heritage and Mountain View High Schools |
| Legal Action | Board voted to pursue legal action against striking workers |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KPTV: Evergreen Public Schools No Class Announcement
- KGW: Evergreen Public Schools Classes Canceled
- Washington State Standard: Strike Delays Start of Classes
- Seattle Times: Evergreen Public Schools Strike Continues
- KOIN: Class Canceled for Evergreen Public Schools
- Wikipedia: Teacher Strike
- Google Search: Evergreen Public Schools Strike
- Google Scholar: Evergreen Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher Union Strike
- Google News: Evergreen Public Schools
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