5:16 PM: With one week until the scheduled start of classes, Seattle Public Schools is formally warning families that school might not start on time. The district has just started sending robocalls and e-mails telling families to have a backup plan just in case its lack of a contract with the Seattle Education Association delays the first day of school. As noted here last night, union members voted Monday to reject the newest offer and are not scheduled to meet again until next Tuesday.
ADDED 6:10 PM: SEA says it will have informational pickets this Thursday, 3-6 pm, at spots including Fauntleroy and 35th SW here in West Seattle. Meantime, read on for the full text of the e-mail sent to SPS families:
The Seattle Education Association (SEA), which represents teachers, rejected the district’s latest contract proposal. They plan to meet again on September 3 to vote on whatever the proposal is at that time.
With the start of school on September 4, we are encouraging families to develop back=up plans should Seattle Public Schools not open on time.
We realize the impact a labor strike would have on our families. We are working with child care providers and the City of Seattle to develop options for your students in the event school is not in session on September 4. Those resources, along with other information, will be posted tomorrow at www.seattleschools.org. We will send you additional messages as new information is available.
Again, we are working to reach an agreement with teachers, but it is possible that school will not start on September 4. Please visit www.seattleschools.org for additional information.
Thank you for your patience and support during this time.
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