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‘We’re broke.’ Seattle schools superintendent pleads with teachers union for school to start on time
kuow.org • • nation
Key Points:
- Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner made a rare public appeal during last-minute contract negotiations with the teachers union, whose contract expires at midnight Monday amid a looming strike authorization by 91% of members.
- The district faces a nearly $100 million budget shortfall and has proposed an 8.8% salary increase over three years, with the average teacher salary around $142,000, but financial constraints limit further raises.
- A major negotiation impasse centers on special education student-teacher ratios, with the district proposing to combine special education tracks and reduce paraeducator support, sparking concern among teachers about meeting student needs.
- Shuldiner aims to integrate special education students into their neighborhood schools rather than separate dedicated programs, a shift supported in principle by some teachers but questioned regarding its practical implementation.
- Both sides continue mediation efforts, with Shuldiner expressing hope for a resolution that allows schools to open fully on Wednesday.
