The Seattle Public Schools (SPS) issued a letter to school staff and families regarding the potential for the delay of the opening of school. The Seattle Education Association (SEA) rejected SPS most recent offer and negotiations were scheduled to continue Sunday through Tuesday. The district is asking SEA to consider an agreement which would allow school to start on time while negotations continue.

Dear SPS families and staff,

Today, Seattle Public Schools asked the Seattle Education Association (SEA), to consider an agreement called a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU would have guaranteed an on-time start to school, while allowing negotiations to continue.

At this time, SEA has rejected the proposed MOU. Starting school on Wednesday is what is best for our students. We understand this uncertainty about a delay is difficult and unsettling for our students, staff, and families. We hope that SEA will reconsider this MOU and sign it before Tuesday.

SEA also declined requests to bring in a mediator to help us come to an agreement. We are committed to working with SEA to agree on a contract that best meets the needs of our students, staff, and schools.

If school is delayed, we are working on a plan to provide pick-up meals for students. We are also reaching out to community childcare providers to help support our families. We expect after-school athletics will continue, even if there is a delay in the start of school. We will publish details about student meals, childcare, additional resources in the event of a delayed start of school on our Family Resource and FAQ webpage.

We will let you know by Tuesday afternoon what the official status is for school the next day.

For more information, visit our Collective Bargaining Updates webpage.

Please send us questions using our Let's Talk online form.

Sincerely,

Office of Public Affairs

Seattle Public Schools