Evergreen SD Board of Directors approves resolution authorizing legal action to halt strike

Evergreen’s school board voted to authorize legal action seeking an injunction to end the classified staff strike that has closed schools for eight days. File photo

The Board’s resolution authorizes EPS to file an injunction asking the Clark County Superior Court to compel the union to end its strike, which is illegal under Washington state law

On Friday (Sept. 5), the Board of Directors of Evergreen Public Schools (EPS) unanimously approved a resolution that allows the district to take legal action to end the ongoing strike by the PSE Large Group classified union.

The Board’s resolution authorizes EPS to file an injunction asking the Clark County Superior Court to compel the union to end its strike, which is illegal under Washington state law.

EPS is asking that union members return to work, allowing the district to start classes for its 22,000 students, while continuing to negotiate on a contract. PSE Large Group members are allowed to work for up to one year under their previous contract after it expires.

EPS canceled classes Friday, marking the eighth day the district has closed school because of the union’s decision to strike.

No decision yet on Monday’s school status

The following message was sent to families and staff of Evergreen Public Schools Friday afternoon:

Dear EPS Community,

The EPS and PSE Large Group’s bargaining teams met in mediation today. The bargaining teams are scheduled to bargain tomorrow at 9 a.m.

As of Friday afternoon, no decision has been made about school on Monday. We will inform you by Sunday around 4 p.m. if schools will be open on Monday.

Football: Tonight’s games at McKenzie Stadium will be played as scheduled. In a change from previous years, all ticket sales will be cashless, aligning with Washington Interscholastic Activities Association practice. Tickets can be purchased with a credit or debit card onsite or at the following GoFan links:

Reminder: Any student below high school grades who wants to attend a game at McKenzie Stadium must be accompanied by an adult.

Child Care: If the strike continues into next week, Right at School, the district’s new child care provider, is preparing to open Family Care Camps at nine of our elementary schools starting Monday. The camps, for elementary age students, would operate from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each school day for the duration of the strike. For sites, costs and other information, click here.

Also, the Clark County Family YMCA is offering a camp for EPS students during the strike from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Get more information and register here.

Registration: Available for new students online.

The district is committed to continuing to bargain with the PSE Large Group to reach an agreement that is fair to both sides and is affordable and sustainable under our current budget conditions. For updated information on bargaining you can visit the Bargaining webpage.

We will continue to share updates throughout the weekend if new information is available. We look forward to getting the school year started and having students back in our schools.

Information provided by the Evergreen School District.