Striking Seattle teachers, district reach tentative deal (UPDATED)
Source: AP
BY GENE JOHNSON AND PHUONG LE
SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle teachers reached a tentative agreement with the city's school district as their strike entered its fifth day Tuesday, but they will stay on the picket lines pending its approval.
The sides reached a deal, but the Seattle teachers union's executive board and representative assembly must sign off on it before the strike can end, Washington Education Association spokesman Rich Wood said. No details about the terms of the agreement were immediately released.
"We have a tentative agreement with the district! Go to your picket site this morning to learn more!" the Seattle Education Association told its members in a text message Tuesday.
Seattle Public Schools spokeswoman Stacy Howard said the agreement came at 6:50 a.m. following an overnight bargaining session and that the district hoped classes would begin Thursday.
FULL story at link. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
Earlier story: Elisa Hahn
Seattle Public School teachers and their district returned to the bargaining table Monday afternoon. A district spokesperson said they were taking a close look at the union's latest offer, which includes a new undisclosed idea under consideration.
"The SPA is studying this plan closely to see whether it's financially possible, and we anticipate a response back to SEA today," said spokesperson Stacy Howard.
Seattle Public School teachers took their picket signs straight to district headquarters Monday. Some from West Seattle marched more than 6 miles to get there.
Librarian Jeff Treistman was encouraged by developments in negotiations from over the weekend.
FULL story at link: http://www.king5.com/story/news/education/seattle-teachers-strike/2015/09/14/seattle-teachers-union-puts-new-proposal-on-the-table/72287148/
(Photo: KING)
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