Two Seattle Schools Items of Note
The district has not reached a contract with Local 302 that serves Seattle Public Schools. If it happens, it would be a tough bunch of first days. This from Westside Seattle:
A strike is looking increasingly likely by IUOE 302 workers since they say Seattle Public Schools is not offering an acceptable contract, set to expire Aug. 31.
The approximately 400 union members are culinary, custodial, security and gardening workers. That means no school lunches, no trash service, no guards on duty among other impacts. These factors could delay the start of school for an indefinite period. The district serves more than 27,000 meals daily.
The union says:
"The District finally shared an economic proposal with the Union at our most recent bargaining session on Wednesday, August 23, just 9 days from our contract expiration. It was disrespectful and offensive to our members!
After all the thoughtful work done to inform the District of the severe economic impact and strain on our members' livelihood, and how far you've fallen behind, our approach was met with no compassion.
The District is telling us to shut up and go back to work!"
SPS says:
We continue to make progress in the negotiation with our labor partners in Local 302 International Union of Operating Engineers. Bargaining teams have been working hard this summer to achieve the new 302 collective bargaining agreement for our valued custodians, culinary services, grounds, security and alarm monitor teams.
SPS anticipates beginning an excellent school year on time on Sept. 6, 2023."
The District may however be anticipating something.
For the first time they sent an email to all Central Staff saying, "we kindly request that all central office staff keep their calendars clear and be ready to lend a helping hand at school sites during the first three days of school."
Also, the district has rescheduled the final "well-resourced schools" discussion via Zoom from this week all the way to Tuesday, September 26th at 5:30 pm. They claimed "due to overwhelming community interest" but I suspect they knew few parents would be there because of end of summer/start of school.
We will be sending our community the event details and a link to join the week of Sept. 11. It will also be posted to this news announcement.
Comments
VC, I wish I could feel better about the state of SPS. However:
- You have both the Super and the Board embracing a totally new way to govern. They have invested huge amounts of time and money in on-boarding it. I can only think that staff loves it as it gives them much more flexibility and ability to hide their actions. I don't mean that they will do nefarious things but many staff have never liked what they see as Board interference in their work.
It very clearly means less Board oversight of what the Superintendent and staff are doing AND the inability to even ask.
- I hope the Board elections ramp up because the longer the incumbents don't get questioned about their performance, the easier it will be for them to win. Both Rankin and Rivera Smith embrace SOFG so their reelection will support that effort. If nothing else, I hope there are at least 3-5 forums so parents can hear the candidates.
- Safety. To me, if you asked parents what are the top 5 issues for SPS and their child, I think safety would make every parent's list. The Superintendent is talking about things getting done but what would be good is a list with a timeline and what HAS gotten done.
- From Facebook, I hear uncertainty among HCC parents. I think they just want to know exactly what is happening with that program. For example, I heard from a parent about confusion over whether HCC 7th graders can still take Algebra. First it was no from the counselor (who had been told that by the district). This resolute parent went up the foodchain and indeed, 7th graders can take Algebra.
All parents want is clarity.
- Will Brent Jones stay? His contract ends in June 2024. And, at the same time...
- What schools will close and "consolidate" into other schools? I think if I understand Jones, the list will come out in November. Those school communities will be so sad, some may fight back but I honestly think the deal is done and the Board will do nothing. (To note, legally, the district has to have a hearing for every school closed. What's interesting is the word in the law is "school" but the district has tried in the past to play footsie and say they are closing "a building." We shall see.
And, like safety, like Special Education, like HCC, parents just want to know what's gonna happen. How will the district support that switch? What's the plan for one school to absorb another? It's a very complex process.
- The integration over the next two years of more Special Education students in Gen Ed AND HCC students in Gen Ed. Will teachers get the supports they need to make sure all students are doing well?
That's what's in a well-resourced school - supports for every single student to do their best.