After more than three weeks of strike by teachers in Portland, Oregon, Portland Public Schools announced on Sunday that it has reached a tentative agreement with its teachers union. This development comes as a relief to parents like Stephanie Savalli and Shane Kennedy, who have been frustrated and uncertain about when their children can return to school. The agreement states that students will resume classes on Monday with a two-hour delay. However, the deal still needs to be voted on by the teachers and approved by the school board.
During the strike, which began on November 1, teachers expressed concerns about pay, class sizes, and planning time. The strike resulted in 11 days of missed school before the Thanksgiving break. Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero expressed gratitude towards the students, families, and community for their patience and perseverance throughout the negotiations. He also acknowledged the importance of educators in enriching the lives of students.
The teachers’ union considers the tentative agreement a victory for both teachers and students. It addresses concerns such as teachers’ salaries, classroom size, health and safety, and mental health support for students affected by the ongoing pandemic. To make up for the missed school days, adjustments will be made to the academic calendar, including shortening the winter and summer breaks and adding three additional days in the new year.
The contract is expected to cost approximately $175 million over the next three years. It includes a 13.8% cumulative cost-of-living increase for teachers and annual step increases for about half of them. Additionally, the agreement aims to increase classroom time and planning time for elementary and middle-grade teachers. The district also plans to enhance mental and behavioral health support for students.
The strike in Portland marks the first teachers’ strike in the school district. The Portland Association of Teachers, representing over 4,000 educators, has been negotiating for a new contract since their previous one expired in June. Teachers raised concerns about the growing class sizes, lack of support, planning time, and stagnant salaries.
Portland Public Schools had initially claimed that it did not have enough funds to meet the union’s demands. Despite a record $10.2 billion K-12 budget approved by Oregon lawmakers for the next two years, the district stated that additional funding was still needed. The district called on state lawmakers to allocate more funds for education and warned of potential budget cuts to accommodate the concessions made to the teachers’ union.
The tentative agreement represents a significant milestone for Portland students, families, and educators. It demonstrates the power of collective action and highlights the importance of investing in the education system. As students return to school, the focus will be on rebuilding and supporting the academic and emotional well-being of the entire school community.
