Several school districts in Washington have delayed the start of the school year this week as teachers unions and districts failed to reach agreements over teacher pay.
Districts and unions across the state are negotiating new pay scales due to new school funding. The State Legislature this year added nearly a $1 billion for teacher salaries.
Classes won’t start as scheduled tomorrow for 6,500 students in Longview Public Schools as teachers hit the picket lines.
School was also canceled today for about 27,000 students in Evergreen Public Schools and 3,200 students in the Washougal School District.
Teachers in Seattle, the state’s largest school district, were scheduled to vote today on whether to authorize a strike.