Updates from Today's Press Briefing, September 1, 2026

Update 2: The 9:30 pm update says the negotiations are still continuing. However it says there will be an update in one hour, not two. 

End of update

Update 1:

The 7:30 updates says the two sides are still working. Next update at 9:30 pm.

end of up date

 - Superintendent Ben Shuldiner said he and all the members of the negotiations teams were up until 1:30 am last night and they are still in process at this hour.

- The big takeaway is that there will be an update EVERY TWO HOURS, starting around 5:30 pm today. It will be on Facebook, Instagram, SPS website, etc. 

- He was asked when he will call school or no school tomorrow. He likened it to a snow day when you are trying to get the best answer possible for families to act on. He said he is hoping between 10 pm and midnight. But he said when an agreement is made "you will hear it from the rooftops."

- He said he was feeling more confident but couldn't really elaborate.

- He said families at schools that have childcare should reach out to their schools.

- He said to-go meals will be available at all schools from 9 am to 1 pm with breakfast and lunch in one bag. There will not be transportation available for students to access this service. 

- He said he would ask parents for grace and understanding that both sides are diligently working to find solutions that work for all. 

- Shuldiner said that principals, custodians and food service will be at schools tomorrow and no teachers/aides are locked out and will be welcomed. 

- He was asked about language barriers. He apologized that information was not translated quickly. Bev Redmond said they will use Talking Points and School Messenger to translate information. 

- Per a question on language barriers for Special Education students, he said each school will be trying to serve as many kids as possible but how we get there is a conversation with SEA and SPS.

- He said he felt the mediator is doing a good job.

- On Facebook, School Board President Gina Topp made this statement: 

We urge SEA and SPS to reach an agreement today so kids can start classes tomorrow and avoid serious disruptions to families.

The agreement must support kids, special education needs, and recognize educators' value and professionalism.

SPS is facing a fiscal crisis. The contract also needs to be financially responsible. 

As Ben said yesterday, "We're not trying to balance the budget on the backs of children - we're trying to be solvent so we can serve the needs of children.

The goal is simple: kids in class tomorrow."

Shuldiner was asked about this and Board guidance. He had not seen it and the reporter did not read it. 

He said the Board has weighed in during Executive Sessions but he couldn't say more. 

He took a couple of questions off camera and then left to rejoin the negotiations. 

I want to note this from today's Seattle Times editorial (published in a separate post):

But School Board President Gina Topp and Member-at-Large Joe Mizrahi — himself a former leader of one of Washington’s largest unions — are on board with it. So are the rest of SPS’s trustees, they say, and many parents, including those who value the education provided by Seattle’s teachers.

"It "being calling in a mediator for the negotiations. 

The editorial claims "many parents" also agree.