Vancouver, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver will be closed on September 3 due to an ongoing strike by the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) Union. The strike arises from unresolved contract negotiations, impacting approximately 1,400 workers including bus drivers and classroom support staff. The PSE Union demands higher wages and better compensation for additional work hours. During the closure, the district will provide lunch at designated locations and continues to negotiate for a resolution.
Vancouver — Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver has announced that there will be no school on Wednesday, September 3, due to an ongoing strike by the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) Union. The closure comes as a result of unresolved contract negotiations between the district and the union, which represents approximately 1,400 workers, including bus drivers, IT workers, paraprofessionals, and classroom support staff.
This development marks the second time this year that the start of classes has been delayed. School officials have indicated that this additional time is intended to allow both bargaining teams to come to a resolution. Although the union has the option to operate under their previous contract for the entire year, leaders have decided to proceed with the strike, emphasizing the need for improved compensation.
The key demands from the PSE Union center around higher wages and proper compensation for hours worked beyond their contracted time. Many union members are part-time employees confined to specific working schedules, leading to a “bell-to-bell” policy where staff are only paid for the time when students are present in school. The situation has been exacerbated by the fact that the current contract proposals from the district include a 4.5% pay increase for paraprofessionals, a 3.5% increase for transportation staff, and a 2.5% increase for service workers, which the union has deemed insufficient for staff retention.
Currently, the strike has caused a noticeable impact at local schools, with reports of 10 paraeducators missing due to the strike, raising concerns about the level of student support during this transitional period. The district has acknowledged these challenges but remains open to negotiations, with mediation meetings planned to continue in hopes of reaching an agreement soon.
During the school closure, the Evergreen Public Schools district plans to offer lunch for students at designated locations. The district has also committed to providing daily updates to families regarding the status of school operations. To support students affected by the strike, free breakfast and lunch will be available at select sites during this period.
Union leadership has expressed concerns over rising insurance costs that could outweigh the proposed salary increases. These issues highlight the broader challenges facing public school systems regarding budget constraints and the need to recruit and retain qualified staff. The school district has reiterated its willingness to negotiate and hopes to resolve the situation promptly to allow students to return to class.
Background Context
The PSE Union’s push for adequate wages and benefits reflects larger trends in education, where many educators and support staff feel their pay does not match their workload or living expenses. The ongoing strike highlights the importance of proper funding and resource allocation within public school systems. As negotiations continue, both parties remain hopeful for a solution that will benefit the students and the staff who support them.
FAQ
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 arising from unresolved contract negotiations.
What are the main demands of the PSE Union?
The main demands include higher wages and better compensation for work performed beyond contracted hours.
When is the next update on school operations from the district?
The district will provide daily updates regarding the status of school operations during the strike.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | September 3 |
| Reason for Closure | Ongoing strike by PSE Union due to unresolved contract negotiations. |
| Union Workers Represented | Approximately 1,400 workers including support staff. |
| Main Demands | Higher wages and compensation for additional work hours. |
| Current Proposals | 4.5% for paraprofessionals, 3.5% for transportation staff, 2.5% for service workers. |
| Support Provided to Students | Lunch will be available at designated locations, free breakfast and lunch at select sites. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Evergreen Public Schools Delays Start of School Year
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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