Strike vote tonight: Kent Union, district stalemate in talks

The last day of negotiations before the Kent Education Association’s member meeting ended without an agreement on the major issues, meaning Kent teachers will vote tonight whether or not to go on strike.

“We’re still quite a ways apart,” said Dale Folkerts, a spokesperson for the KEA.

According to Folkerts, the union is waiting for the district to “significantly address the main issues the teachers are talking about.”

Folkerts offered no specifics, but said the district during yesterday’s session was “rejecting things out of hand,” although he again declined to elaborate.

The union has repeatedly stated its concerns are “time, workload and compensation.”

District Communication Director Becky Hanks disputed the union statements.

“That’s simply not the case,” Hanks said. “The district has been responsive to the proposals we’ve received.”

Hanks said the responses may not be what the union is looking for, but the district did respond. Hanks cited 16 tentative agreements between the two sides as proof the district is working with union negotiators.

Hanks cited a proposal this week over the issue of class size in which the district proposed a committee comprised of teachers, administration, community members – including the Citizens Budget Review Committee – to review class sizes with the aim of reducing the current caps throughout the district.

“It’s not just the teachers and administration; there’s other players involved,” Hanks said.

Folkerts said the KEA members would meet tonight to weigh their options and take a vote on a strike.

Hanks said the district is hoping the teachers opt not to strike, but said if they do, it would consider all options, including legal means.

“We will look at all options,” hanks said. “Our priority is having students in school.”

Negotiations with the mediator are scheduled to continue 9 a.m. Thursday.