Tweets from District Press Conference on Teacher Contract Negotiations

From KPLU's Kyle Stokes:

“A contract that is not fiscally sound will hurt” our district, says @seapubschools spokeswoman 
(note: that would be Stacy Howard).

At this point, there is no timeline for legal action says @seapubschools spokeswoman Stacy Howard.

In two years, our district needs to start offering more credits to HS students.”  (probably from Ballard principal on negotiating team)

District proposal on pay increases: Year 1: 2.0% Year 2: 3.2% Year 3: 4.0% for teachers, 3.75% for classified staff. 

Last night, @seapubschools negotiators say @SeattleEA team walked away from table right after district left them alone with a counteroffer.

The @seapubschools negotiators say they found out @SeattleEA had walked out when they saw they had walked down to board room …where press had assembled.

 I'll be interested to see what the SEA has to say.  I'd be willing to bet the SEA did not just walk away from the table without looking at the offer.  They probably looked at it and THEN walked.

Good background article at The Slog with a big shout-out to Director Sue Peters.

Some of asked if it might not be better to picket the district - here's one parent's thought from the Soup for Teachers Facebook page:

"Seattle parents, let's put some pressure on the district to help resolve the strike. I'm taking my kids down to the school district offices tomorrow for a play-in in the hallways. If a lot of families show up, we'd make a real impact. Can you come? 10am to noon, John Stanford Center For Excellence. PLEASE share this message to help spread the word.

It will be interesting to see if the district allows this.  I think they would probably make parents and kids stay outside so bring a blanket and some games and sit on the grass outside.