Vancouver, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Evergreen Public Schools will close on September 3 due to ongoing unresolved contract negotiations with the PSE Union, which voted to strike for better pay. The district aims to facilitate negotiations and will provide free meals during the closure. Key demands include higher wages and fair compensation for part-time staff, as previous contract proposals were rejected. Ongoing mediation meetings are scheduled as both parties work toward an agreement to resume classes.
Vancouver – Evergreen Public Schools has announced a school closure for Wednesday, September 3, due to ongoing unresolved contract negotiations with the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) Union. This is the second delay in the start of the school year for the district as the bargaining teams work towards an agreement on employee contracts, primarily concerning wage increases and compensation for hours worked beyond contracted time.
The district’s decision to close schools aims to give both parties additional time to negotiate, despite the union having the option to continue working under their previous contract for an entire year. The PSE Union, representing approximately 1,400 workers, which include bus drivers, IT personnel, paraprofessionals, and various classroom support staff, voted to strike last week, emphasizing the need for better pay and conditions.
Key demands from the PSE Union include higher wages and fair compensation for part-time staff, who are restricted to specific hours under a “bell-to-bell” policy, meaning they are only compensated when students are present. Current proposals from Evergreen Public Schools include a pay increase of 4.5% for paraprofessionals, 3.5% for transportation staff, and 2.5% for service workers. However, union leaders have rejected these proposals, citing that the increases are inadequate for retaining staff, especially given the rising costs of insurance, which could outpace the proposed salary adjustments.
The ongoing strike has raised concerns about the availability of support staff in local schools, with reports indicating that 10 paraeducators are currently missing. To support students during the school closure, the district will provide free lunch at designated pickup locations, along with free breakfast at select sites.
Despite the difficulties, the district has expressed a willingness to make progress through ongoing mediation, with meetings scheduled to continue. The district remains committed to updating families daily about the status of operations, and it hopes to resume classes as soon as an agreement is reached.
As the negotiations unfold, the administration and union leadership aim to find common ground and alleviate the risks of continued disruption to educational services for students. This situation highlights the broader issues facing school employees and the challenges of securing fair compensation and benefits in the education sector.
What You Need to Know
- No school on September 3 due to ongoing strike.
- PSE Union demands higher wages and better compensation terms.
- Previous contract option was not taken by union leaders.
- Free lunch and breakfast will be provided during the closure.
- Ongoing mediation meetings scheduled to address disputes.
FAQ
Why is Evergreen Public Schools closed on September 3?
The closure is due to unresolved negotiations between Evergreen Public Schools and the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) Union, which is involved in a strike for better wages and working conditions.
What are the main demands of the PSE Union?
The main demands include higher wages and better compensation for work outside contracted hours, particularly for part-time staff.
Will students receive meals during the closure?
Yes, the district will provide free breakfast and lunch at select pickup locations for students during the school closure.
What is the district’s stance on the negotiations?
The district has stated a willingness to negotiate and is conducting ongoing mediation meetings to reach an agreement and resume classes as soon as possible.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | September 3 |
| Union Representation | Approximately 1,400 workers |
| Proposed Pay Increases | 4.5% for paraprofessionals, 3.5% for transportation staff, 2.5% for service workers |
| Meals Provided | Free breakfast and lunch at designated locations |
| Negotiation Status | Ongoing mediation meetings |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Susquehanna Township Schools Cancel Classes Due to Bus Driver Shortage
Fairview Elementary School Closed Due to Electrical Incident
Vermont Commission Advocates Early Community Involvement in School Closures
Closure of Excel Academy Public Charter School
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
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
