With the help of a mediator, Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association (SEA) reached tentative agreement on a contract, just after midnight Saturday night. This development comes just five days after teachers union members almost unanimously rejected a contract proposal from Seattle Public Schools (SPS) — and just three days before the 2013-2014 school year is scheduled to begin.
At last Monday's meeting, union members were uncomnfortable with the District's efforts to tie teacher evaluations to standardized tests. Other contentious contract issues included SPS's efforts to lengthen the workday for elementary school teachers, the lack of professional development for classroom assistants and office administrative staff and teacher pay.
It's unclear at this time exactly how the two sides resolved their differences. But the full union will vote on this new agreement at a general meeting on Tuesday (at 4:30 p.m.). Check back Tuesday evening for the results of the teachers' vote and other new developments.
