The delay comes amidst the district’s ongoing negotiations with its PSE Large Group classified union, whose contract expires August 30
On Friday (Aug. 22), Evergreen Public Schools announced that it will delay the start of the 2025-26 school year by one week, with classes starting Tuesday, September 2. The delay comes amidst the district’s ongoing negotiations with its PSE Large Group classified union, whose contract expires August 30.
The EPS Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution Friday to approve the schedule change, which will give the district negotiating team more time to reach an agreement with the union. Union leaders have announced that their members approved a strike starting on the first day of school, which had originally been August 26.
“By delaying the start of school, we are giving bargaining teams an opportunity to reach a contract that is fair to both sides and sustainable under our current budget constraints,” said Dr. Christine Moloney, EPS Superintendent. “A one-week delay will allow students, families and staff to make plans with less of the uncertainty of the day-to-day decision-making that sometimes comes during negotiation proceedings.”
Dr. Moloney and the Board said classes cannot be held safely without members of the union, which includes paraeducators, bus drivers, security officers and maintenance staff.
The district has been negotiating with the PSE Large Group, which represents about 1,400 classified employees, since March. Starting in July, the sessions have included a mediator appointed by the state’s Public Employee Relations Commission. Updates and information on the latest proposals are available on the PSE Large Group Bargaining webpage.
Next week the following will be available for families:
- Athletics: Middle and high school sports will continue next week as scheduled.
- Registration for new students will continue to be available at schools and online.
- Boundaries: The Boundary Department will be open, and those with questions can also email boundaries@evergreenps.org.
About Evergreen Public Schools: With about 22,000 students in 38 schools in the city of Vancouver, Evergreen Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state of Washington. The district was founded in 1945, when nine schools from eight different districts came together.
Also read:
- Northwest just finished warmest fall on record, scientists report
Scientists report the Pacific Northwest experienced its warmest fall on record, with snowpack at the lowest level for this point in winter since tracking began in 2001. - Opinion: More taxes sadly the Washington way
Elizabeth New (Hovde) argues that Washington lawmakers continue to turn to new taxes instead of addressing state spending priorities, particularly in health care policy. - C-TRAN offering free service, extended hours this New Year’s Eve
C-TRAN will offer free systemwide service and extended late-night hours on select routes for New Year’s Eve to support safe holiday travel. - Clark County Public Works is seeking three new live-in volunteer park hosts for the 2026 season
Clark County Public Works is accepting applications for three live-in volunteer park host positions at regional and community parks for the 2026 season. - Opinion: IBR administrator receives generous Christmas gift on his way out the door
Ken Vance argues that IBR leadership avoided accountability on rising project costs as Administrator Greg Johnson announced his departure without providing updated estimates. - Christmas Ships Parade enters final week with six nights of holiday magic remaining
The Christmas Ships Parade has entered its final week, with six remaining nights of illuminated boats visiting locations along the Columbia and Willamette rivers. - County Treasurer addresses penny shortage, encourages customers to pay with exact change
The Clark County Treasurer’s Office is asking customers who pay with cash to use exact change as a nationwide penny shortage affects the ability to obtain coins.
wpDiscuz
