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Tentative Agreement Reached, School Should Resume Friday

Submitted by Jennifer Boutell on September 21, 2011 - 9:22pm

Just a quick note: numerous news agencies are reporting that a tentative agreement has been reached between the teachers union and the district. Assuming teachers vote to approve the agreement tomorrow, school should resume Friday.

Tacoma Teachers Strike: Day 7

Submitted by Jennifer Boutell on September 21, 2011 - 5:27pm

Yes, I skipped a day. I came back from the union's community forum at United Methodist church last night, deeply depressed about the prospects for settlement. Within a few hours, the Tacoma Education Association had posted on their Facebook page that the district walked out of negotiations and canceled today's session. There really didn't seem to be anything to say other than "gee, looks like school's not starting any time soon."

Tacoma Teachers Strike: Day Five

Submitted by Jennifer Boutell on September 19, 2011 - 6:29pm

As I'm sure all the parents have heard by now, there will be no school again tomorrow, Tuesday September 19th. On the bright side, the weather is supposed to be beautiful and nearly 80 degrees. Perfect day for the beach. If you don't have a Discover Pass to get into the state parks, I recommend a trip to the (free) Metro Parks run beach south of Dash Point State Park.

A quick update on developments over the weekend:

Union and district bargainers worked through the weekend and into the day, exchanging proposals.

Sunday night's proposal from TEA

Tacoma Teachers Strike: Day Four

Submitted by Jennifer Boutell on September 16, 2011 - 10:27am

The kids are in their pajamas, peanut butter smeared in their hair. On my refrigerator the words "Feed the Piggy!" are scrawled in black sharpie and grape jelly.

(shakes fist) Why, teachers? Why????!!

...

OK, no, not really. All joking aside, I know I'm really lucky to be able to stay home with my kids with a reasonably full refrigerator during the strike. They've probably played a little too much Katamari on the X-box, but that's on me.

What's this all about, Mom? The Tacoma teacher strike, for kids.

Submitted by Jennifer Boutell on September 15, 2011 - 7:59pm

It's okay if you still don't understand what this teacher's strike is all about. You're busy, and you were probably hoping it would go away.

Well, it's not going away this week and you might be looking around now, trying to understand why so many reasonable people can't work together so that the kids can go back to school. Maybe you are a kid and you want to support the teachers, but you're not really sure what they're upset about.

School district and teachers union in court about teachers strike

Submitted by Lucas Byram on September 14, 2011 - 4:45pm

Tacoma Public School District and Tacoma Education Association were in court today to work out the teachers strike and labor issues.

Tacoma School District attorney Shannon McMinimee rattled off several harms regarding the teachers strike - seniors late in graduating, preschool not starting on time, Tacoma's online students do not have teachers, disabled students can't receive needed services which the district receieves funding for from the state, students who qualify for free or reduced luches or breakfasts who don't get fed due to the strike. Her point was school needed to start now because students need the services now.

Scrambling for food or childcare during the strike?

Submitted by Jennifer Boutell on September 12, 2011 - 9:06pm

A few quick resources for those of you who are scrambling right now:

Teachers Vote to Strike

Submitted by Jennifer Boutell on September 12, 2011 - 5:16pm

The Tacoma Education Association has voted to strike. 87% of the teachers present tonight at Mt. Tahoma High School voted to strike - 80% needed.

According to Tacoma School District call, middle school sports and practices are cancelled, however high school sports and practices are going on as scheduled. No school Tuesday due to the strike.

Tacoma Public Schools Superintendant, Art Jarvis has directed the district's attorney to take any and all action to stop strike.

Today in Tacoma