La Center, Washington, September 4, 2025
News Summary
A teacher strike in La Center has begun just a week into the school year, initiated by the La Center Education Association after unsuccessful negotiations with the school district. Teachers are demanding better pay, class sizes, and working conditions, particularly focusing on the distribution of state-mandated COLA funding. While classes are canceled, extracurricular activities will continue. Parent support for teachers is evident as negotiations are set to continue in hopes of resolving the strike soon.
La Center, Washington — A teacher strike commenced in La Center on Wednesday morning, just one week into the new school year. The La Center Education Association (LCEA) announced the strike after several unsuccessful bargaining sessions with the La Center School District, citing demands for improved pay and working conditions, among other issues.
The teachers are advocating for reasonable class sizes, higher wages, better working conditions, and additional support for students. A central point of contention is the distribution of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) funding allocated by the state. Teachers assert they are not receiving these funds, while district officials maintain that budget constraints prevent them from offering full COLA benefits.
The La Center School District has exceeded state allocations, subsidizing teacher salaries by over $943,406 annually. District leaders expressed their inability to pay the full cost-of-living adjustments while also working to strengthen financial reserves. Parents have been informed about potential disruptions due to the strike and have been advised to arrange alternative child care plans.
Picketing efforts are underway outside La Center Elementary, La Center Middle School, and La Center High School during school hours, which run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The district’s official website confirmed that there would be no classes on Wednesday, although sports and extracurricular activities would continue as scheduled.
Negotiations between the La Center School District and LCEA began in February, with teachers voting to authorize a strike last month due to ongoing disagreements. The teachers are expressing concerns about being among the lowest-paid districts in Clark County, emphasizing that reasonable salaries are crucial for attracting and retaining qualified staff.
The district’s budgetary challenges are compounded by similar strike issues affecting nearby Evergreen Public Schools, leading to further complications within the educational landscape of Clark County. Parents within the community have shown support for the teachers, recognizing the vital role educators play in their children’s learning experiences.
Discussions between the La Center School District and the teachers’ union will continue in hopes of reaching a timely agreement to end the strike and provide students with the educational stability they require.
FAQ
What are the reasons behind the La Center teacher strike?
The La Center teacher strike is primarily driven by demands for reasonable class sizes, higher wages, better working conditions, and additional support for students. A key issue is the distribution of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) funding that teachers claim they are not receiving.
How long is the strike expected to last?
The duration of the strike is currently unknown, as it depends on the outcome of ongoing negotiations between the La Center School District and the La Center Education Association.
What should parents do while the strike is ongoing?
Parents are advised to arrange alternative child care plans, as classes are canceled during the strike. However, sports and extracurricular activities will continue as normal during this period.
Key Features of the La Center Teacher Strike
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Wednesday, one week into the school year |
| Key Issues | Class sizes, wages, working conditions, additional support |
| Annual Salary Subsidy | $943,406 above state allocations |
| Picketing Hours | 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
| Impact on School Activities | No school, but sports and extracurriculars continue |
| Negotiation Start Date | February |
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Additional Resources
- KATU News: School Cancelled in La Center as Teachers Hit the Picket Line
- KGW News: La Center Schools Closed Due to Teacher Strike
- KOIN News: La Center Schools Closed After Bargaining Sessions
- Washington State Standard: Strike Delays Start of Classes in Southwest Washington
- KOIN News: La Center Teachers Go on Strike
- Wikipedia: Teacher Strike
- Google Search: La Center teacher strike
- Google Scholar: Teacher Compensation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: La Center School District
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