Labor Relations - Port Angeles School District (2024)

Meal, Activity, and Child Care Information

Student Meals: PASD will continue to offer meal service for all students in all grades (no pre-orders necessary). Meals can be picked up from the parking lots of any of the PASD Elementary Schools at the times listed below:

• Dry Creek and Hamilton: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Jefferson, Franklin, and Roosevelt: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• **New Locations
• Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Center: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Fairchild Heights Apartments: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Childcare Information: PASD understands the difficulty a school cancellation can create for families. We are coordinating with the following providers to offer childcare support:

• The Port Angeles Boys & Girls Club will offer extended hours for all club members: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• YMCA will be open all day for current members at the Francis St. location: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Spark Squad will be open during regular hours for current members: 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., but no transportation will be provided.
• Kids Kampus will be open regular hours for current members: 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Please note: C&C will be closed all day, including after school hours

In the most recent legislative session, Legislators passed Senate Bill 5882, which increased funding to support additional paraeducators, office support staff, and non-instructional aides using a school funding distribution formula (known as the prototypical school funding model). More information on Senate Bill 5882 (SB5882) can be found at 5882 SBR WM OC 24 (wa.gov)

The school district and paraeducator union (PAPEA) are utilizing professional mediators from PERC (Public Employee Relations Commission) to facilitate contract negotiations. PERC serves as a neutral third-party organization tasked with overseeing and mediating labor-relations between public-employers, such as the school district, and public employee unions.

By involving PERC in the negotiation process, the PASD & PAPEA demonstrate our commitment to fairness, transparency, and adherence to labor laws and regulations. PERC mediators provide a structured framework to streamline negotiations with the goal of reaching an agreement on a contract as soon as possible.

A labor strike means that striking workers do not come to work. Often, members of other unions, in addition to striking union members, will not cross picket lines in support of striking workers, creating a larger impact across labor union groups. Unfortunately, our schools cannot operate without teaching staff.

An injunction is a court order requiring a person to do or cease doing a specific action. In Washington, State and local public employees, including paraeducators, have no legally protected right to strike.

With the goal of resuming regular school operations and getting students back in the classroom, PASD filed a motion for injunctive relief in Clallam County Superior Court on Tuesday, April 9.

Ajudge agreed with the school district and ruled that the actions of striking workers were illegal and established an “actual, substantial, and irreparable injury or the threat thereof to the Port Angeles School District, its students, its employees, and the community.”

ThePort Angeles School District (PASD) has been informed by the Port Angeles Paraeducator Association (PAPEA) that they will remain on strike despite a court order to return to work.

A follow-up hearing is scheduled for April 26. You can read a copy of the injunction here.

Good-faith bargaining typically involves:

• Honesty: both parties must provide accurate information and not mislead or deceive each other during negotiations.
• Commitment: both parties should demonstrate a genuine willingness to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
• Flexibility: both parties should be open to compromise and willing to consider different proposals or alternatives.
• Timeliness: negotiations should be conducted promptly and without unnecessary delays.
• Respect: both parties should treat each other with respect and avoid tactics intended to undermine the bargaining process or coerce the other party.

Subject: ALL PASD SCHOOLS OPEN TOMORROW: Monday, April 15.

April 14, 2024 Update - Tentative Agreement Reached; School Tomorrow

Dear Port Angeles Families,

ALL PASD SCHOOLS will be OPEN and STARTING ON TIME tomorrow, Monday, April 15.

The Port Angeles School District (PASD) and the Port Angeles Paraeducators Association (PAPEA) bargained throughout the day today, Sunday, April 14, 2024. After many hours of negotiation, a tentative contract agreement has been reached, with both parties accepting a mediator-recommended settlement for a new contract.

Thank you to our families, students, staff, and community members who have offered patience and support during this challenging time for our school district.

www.portangelesschools.org

Sincerely,
Marty Brewer

Superintendent

Port Angeles School District

April 12, 2024 Update

Dear Port Angeles Families,

The Port Angeles School District (PASD) and the Port Angeles Paraeducators Association (PAPEA) continued to bargain throughout the day today, Friday, April 12, 2024. At the direction of the bargaining mediator, both parties have been instructed to re-evaluate proposals and return to bargaining on Sunday with the goal of reaching an agreement.

No decision has been made regarding the status of school on Monday, April 15.

PASD will provide an update about the

status of school next week, on Sunday, April 14, by 5 p.m.

Questions: www.portangelesschools.org/labor#faq

April 11, 2024 Update

Dear Port Angeles Families,

Due to an ongoing paraeducator strike, ALL SCHOOLS across the Port Angeles School District will continue to be CLOSED on Friday, April 12.

Collective Bargaining Update

The Port Angeles School District (PASD) and the Port Angeles Paraeducator Association (PAPEA) continue to bargain but have not reached an agreement. The current multiyear PASD offer utilizes all of the state funding provided to PASD for the purpose of paraeducator salary increases. The current proposal from PASD provides paraeducators with approximately $225,000 in salary and benefit increases for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years using the state allocation and local funding.

This is a Washington State School Funding Issue

Many school districts across Washington are facing significant financial challenges. The money schools receive from state and local taxes isn't enough to cover the very basic, and rapidly increasing, costs of running a school district, including staff salaries.

The state of Washington is supposed to fully fund the basic costs associated with K-12 education. It’s a responsibility identified in the state’s constitution but, even after reforms, the state’s efforts still fall short of this paramount duty. A funding distribution “formula” based on the needs of an “average school” is a one-size-fits-some solution for allocating state money to schools. The approach isn't working well because it doesn't recognize the unique needs and costs of individual school districts with varying circ*mstances in all corners of the state.

In the past, more than half of Washington's general fund budget was dedicated to K-12 education. Now, the state investment is down to about 43%. This decrease shows a shift in the state's financial priorities and impacts the quality of education schools have the money to provide. The money schools receive from state and local taxes isn't enough to cover the basic, and rapidly increasing, costs of running a school district. This means there's a gap between the funding needed to give students a quality education and the funds that are available to schools.

Last year PASD cut nearly $5 million from the district’s budget and this year we must cut another $640,000 from the budget. Agreeing to additional increases to paraeducator salaries beyond the current offer of an additional $225,000 could create impacts on student support programs like sports, music, counselors, school nurses, and social workers.

Bargaining Update

The district is committed to continuing to bargain throughout the day tomorrow in an effort to reach a deal. As we bargain, we will keep these values at the heart of our negotiations:

• Offering fair and competitive wages and good working conditions that are comparable to other area school districts.
• Responsible management of school district finances to ensure our schools are financially stable for generations of future students.

During our April 11 negotiations, we addressed the following issues:

• Addressed compression of the salary schedule discussions
• Addressed multi-year salary increases

Check Facts From Official Information Sources

Unfortunately, misinformation is being shared online and in the community. Factual information about the bargaining process, resources available to families, and answers to frequently asked questions are provided at www.portangelesschools.org/labor#faq.

Questions can be submitted to labor@portangelesschools.org.

Meal, Activity, and Child Care Information

Friday Food Bags can be picked up at our student meal pickup locations this Friday so students can take home extra groceries this weekend for families.

Our friends at the Port Angeles Food Bank also offer access to free groceries for all families at the main location on Oakridge Dr. by Walmart and multiple locations with their mobile market:

• https://www.portangelesfoodbank.org
• Click here to check out their mobile market locations.

Student Meals: PASD will continue to offer meal service for all students in all grades (no pre-orders necessary). Meals can be picked up from the parking lots of any of the PASD Elementary Schools at the times listed below:

• Dry Creek and Hamilton: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Jefferson, Franklin, and Roosevelt: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Center: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Fairchild Heights Apartments: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Extracurriculars: Athletic practices/events and associated transportation will continue on normal schedules.

Childcare Information: PASD understands the difficulty a school cancellation can create for families. We are coordinating with the following providers to offer childcare support:

• The Port Angeles Boys & Girls Club will offer extended hours for all club members: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• YMCA will be open all day for current members at the Francis St. location: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Spark Squad will be open during regular hours for current members: 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., but no transportation will be provided.
• Kids Kampus will be open regular hours for current members: 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Please note: C&C will be closed all day, including after school hours

PASD is dedicated to providing our families and community with up-to-date information throughout negotiations.

• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] can be found here: https://www.portangelesschools.org/labor#faq
• Check here for daily updates: https://www.portangelesschools.org/labor
• Questions can be directed to labor@portangelesschools.org or via phone at 360-457-8575.

Thank you for your patience and partnership. We will continue to keep families updated on our progress.

Sincerely,

Marty Brewer

Superintendent

Port Angeles School District

April 10, 2024 Update

Dear Port Angeles Families,

ALL SCHOOLS across the Port Angeles School District will continue to be CLOSED on Thursday, April 11.

Despite a court order to return to work, the Port Angeles Paraeducator Association (PAPEA) will continue to strike on Thursday, April 11.

The current proposal from PASD provides paraeducators with approximately $225,000 in salary and benefit increases for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. The multiyear PASD offer utilizes all of the state funding provided to PASD for the purpose of paraeducator salary increases. PASD’s current offer would continue to keep Port Angeles paraeducators among the highest paid in Clallam County with wages starting at $21.60 to $28.33 per hour and includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance) and a full state of Washington retirement pension. Comparable, nearby school districts' paraeducator wages start on average at $21.33 with a $25.10 top wage.

The state of Washington has only provided approximately 10% of the funding necessary for this salary increase.

In the past, more than half of Washington's general fund budget was dedicated to K-12 education. Now, the state investment is down to about 43%. This decrease shows a shift in the state's financial priorities and impacts the quality of education schools have the money to provide. The money schools receive from state and local taxes isn't enough to cover the basic, and rapidly increasing, costs of running a school district. This means there's a gap between the funding needed to give students a good education and the funds that are available to schools.

Last year PASD cut nearly $5 million from the district’s budget and this year we must cut another $640,000 from the budget. Agreeing to additional increases to paraeducator salaries beyond the current offer of an additional $225,000 could create impacts on student support programs like sports, music, counselors, school nurses, and social workers.

Unfortunately, misinformation is being shared online and in the community. Factual information about the bargaining process, resources available to families, and answers to frequently asked questions are provided at portangelesschools.org/labor. Questions can be submitted to labor@portangelesschools.org.

The district is committed to continuing to bargain throughout the day tomorrow in an effort to reach a deal. As we bargain, we will keep these values at the heart of our negotiations:

Offering fair and competitive wages and good working conditions that are comparable to other area school districts.

Responsible management of school district finances to ensure our schools are financially stable for generations of future students.

During our April 10 negotiations, we made progress on the following issues:

• Reached tentative agreement on important contract language
• Had productive discussions about compression of the salary schedule discussions
• Had productive discussions about multi-year salary increases

Meal, Activity, and Child Care Information

Student Meals: PASD will continue to offer meal service for all students in all grades (no pre-orders necessary). Meals can be picked up from the parking lots of any of the PASD Elementary Schools at the times listed below:

• Dry Creek and Hamilton: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Jefferson, Franklin, and Roosevelt: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Center: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Fairchild Heights Apartments: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Extracurriculars: Athletic practices/events and associated transportation will continue on normal schedules.

Childcare Information: PASD understands the difficulty a school cancellation can create for families. We are coordinating with the following providers to offer childcare support:

• The Port Angeles Boys & Girls Club will offer extended hours for all club members: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• YMCA will be open all day for current members at the Francis St. location: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Spark Squad will be open during regular hours for current members: 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., but no transportation will be provided.
• Kids Kampus will be open regular hours for current members: 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Please note: C&C will be closed all day, including after school hours

PASD is dedicated to providing our families and community with up-to-date information throughout negotiations.

Please visit the Port Angeles School District website at www.portangelesschools.org/labor for daily updates.

Questions can be directed to labor@portangelesschools.org or via phone at 360-457-8575.

Thank you for your patience and partnership. We will continue to keep families updated on our progress.

Sincerely,

Marty Brewer

Superintendent

Port Angeles School District

Subject: School Closed on Wednesday, April 10, Due to Paraeducator Strike

Dear Port Angeles Families,

The Port Angeles School District (PASD) has been informed by the Port Angeles Paraeducator Association (PAPEA) that they will remain on strike Wednesday, April 10, despite a court order to return to work.

ALL SCHOOLS across the Port Angeles School District will beCLOSED on Wednesday, April 10.
With the goal of resuming regular school operations and getting students back in the classroom, PASD filed a motion for injunctive relief in Clallam County Superior Court earlier today.

A judge agreed with the school district and ruled that the actions of striking workers were illegal and established an “actual, substantial, and irreparable injury or the threat thereof to the Port Angeles School District, its students, its employees, and the community.”

The injunction ordered striking workers back to work immediately and noted that failure to comply would result in possible sanctions for contempt of court. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for April 26.You can read a copy of the injunction here.

PASD is disappointed with the PAPEA’s decision not to comply with the court order to return to work and get students back in the classroom as soon as possible. As communities across the state and nation learned during the pandemic, extended school closures have significant negative impacts on student learning and overall student well-being.

While the district is committed to honoring the bargaining process by keeping the specific details of proposals at the bargaining table, we must also weigh the obligation we have to taxpayers to transparently share information. Without revealing specifics, we can share that the current proposal from the PASD provides paraeducators with approximately $225,000 in salary and benefit increases for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. Our current offer would continue to keep Port Angeles paraeducators among the highest paid in Clallam County.

We will continue to bargain throughout the day tomorrow in an effort to reach a deal. As we bargain, we will keep these values at the heart of our negotiations:

• Offering fair and competitive wages and good working conditions that are comparable to other area school districts.
• Responsible management of school district finances to ensure our schools are financially stable for generations of future students.

During our April 9 negotiations, the following items remain open issues of discussion: Compression of the salary schedule discussions

• Multi-year salary increases

Meal, Activity, and Child Care Information

Student Meals: PASD will continue to offer meal service for all students in all grades (no pre-orders necessary). Meals can be picked up from the parking lots of any of the PASD Elementary Schools at the times listed below:

• Dry Creek and Hamilton: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Jefferson, Franklin, and Roosevelt: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• **New Locations
• Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Center: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Fairchild Heights Apartments: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Extracurriculars: Athletic practices/events and associated transportation will continue on normal schedules.
Childcare Information: PASD understands the difficulty a school cancellation can create for families. We are coordinating with the following providers to offer childcare support:

• The Port Angeles Boys & Girls Club will offer extended hours for all club members: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• YMCA will be open all day for current members at the Francis St. location: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Spark Squad will be open during regular hours for current members: 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., but no transportation will be provided.
• Kids Kampus will be open regular hours for current members: 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Please note: C&C will be closed all day, including after school hours

PASD is dedicated to providing our families and community with up-to-date information throughout negotiations.Please visit the Port Angeles School District website at www.portangelesschools.org/labor for daily updates.

Questions can be directed to labor@portangelesschools.org or via phone at 360-457-8575.
Thank you for your patience and partnership. We will continue to keep families updated on our progress.

Sincerely,

Marty Brewer
Superintendent
Port Angeles School District

Dear Port Angeles Families,

The Port Angeles School District (PASD) spent the day in negotiations with the Port Angeles Paraeducator Association (PAPEA). Unfortunately, after many hours of negotiations and collaborative conversations, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement.

ALL SCHOOLS across the Port Angeles School District will be

CLOSED on Tuesday, April 9.

Student Meals: PASD will continue to offer meal service for all students in all grades (no pre-orders necessary). Meals can be picked up from the parking lots of any of the PASD Elementary Schools at the times listed below:

• Dry Creek and Hamilton: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Jefferson, Franklin, and Roosevelt: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Extracurriculars: Athletic practices/events and associated transportation will continue on normal schedules.

Childcare Information: PASD understands the difficulty a school cancellation can create for families. We are coordinating with the following providers to offer childcare support:

• The Port Angeles Boys & Girls Club will offer extended hours for all club members: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• YMCA will be open all day for current members at the Francis St. location: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Spark Squad will be open during regular hours for current members: 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., but no transportation will be provided.
• Kids Kampus will be open regular hours for current members: 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Please note: C&C will be closed all day, including after school hours.

We will continue to work to reach a deal and keep these values at the heart of our negotiations:

• Offering fair and competitive wages and good working conditions that are comparable to other area school districts.
• Responsible management of school district finances to ensure our schools are financially stable for generations of future students.

As PASD continues to bargain in good faith, we must be mindful that agreeing to salary increases the district cannot afford to sustain in the years to come could negatively impact future programs and staffing. Increasing salaries at the level and duration requested could mean programs like sports, music, and student support services (counselors, school nurses, and social workers) may all be in funding jeopardy in the future. Additionally, when negotiating contracts with staff, we must also consider that the increases agreed to now will serve as a starting point for future salary negotiations.

During our April 8 negotiations, progress was made on several fronts, including:

• Collaborative conversations between district leadership and PAPEA bargaining representatives, in addition to scheduled bargaining sessions
• Contract language discussions

Items still on the table include:

• Compression of the salary schedule discussions
• Multi-year salary increases

PASD is dedicated to providing our families and community with up-to-date information throughout negotiations:

• The district will notify families about the school's status for the next day by 5 p.m. the evening before.
• Please visit the Port Angeles School District website at www.portangelesschools.org/labor for daily updates.
• Questions can be directed to labor@portangelesschools.org or via phone at 360-457-8575.

We appreciate your patience and partnership. We will get through this together.

Sincerely,

Marty Brewer

Superintendent

Port Angeles School District

PASD Schools ClosedDue to Paraeducator Strike: Monday, April 8

Dear Port Angeles Families,

We are disappointed to share that the Port Angeles School District (PASD) and the Port Angeles Paraeducator Association (PAPEA) have not reached an agreement in negotiations. PAPEA has informed district leadership they will go on strike starting Monday, April 8.

A labor strike means that striking workers do not come to work. The Port Angeles Educators Association (PAEA), the union representing teachers, has also informed PASD that they will not cross the picket line to come to work. Unfortunately, our schools cannot operate without teaching staff.

Therefore, ALL SCHOOLS across the Port Angeles School District will be CLOSED on Monday, April 8.

● PASD will continue to offer meal service for all students. Meals can be picked up from the parking lots of PASD Elementary Schools at the time below:

○ Dry Creek and Hamilton: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

○ Jefferson, Franklin, and Roosevelt: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

● Meals are available to all students in all grades, and no preorders are necessary.

● Athletic practices/events and associated transportation will continue as typically scheduled.

● Available Childcare:

○ The Port Angeles Boys & Girls Club will offer extended hours for all club members: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

○ C&C will be closed all day, including after school hours

○ YMCA will be closed all day, including after school hours

○ Spark Squad will be open for regular hours for current members, but no transportation will be provided: 2 to 5:30 p.m.

Future updates will be posted on the district webpage, www.portangelesschools.org/labor, and shared with families via email and text message. The district will notify families about the school's status for the next day by 5 p.m. the evening before.

We understand the challenges that canceling school presents for our families, and we are disappointed in the union’s decision to strike. PASD leadership will continue to bargain in good faith, and we are laser-focused on getting schools back into session as quickly as possible.

Our next bargaining session will begin on Monday at 10a.m. and will continue throughout the day. Our district bargaining team is committed to offering fair and competitive wages that are comparable to other area school districts. We are also dedicated to responsible management of school district finances to ensure our schools are financially stable for generations of future students.

● Please visit the Port Angeles School District website at www.portangelesschools.org/labor for daily updates.

● Have a question? Email your question to labor@portangelesschools.org or call 360-457-8575. We will respond within 24 hours.

Sincerely,

Marty Brewer

Superintendent

Port Angeles School District

April 5, 2024

Dear Port Angeles Families,

I am writing to share some disappointing news. The Port Angeles Paraeducator Association (PAPEA), the union representing our paraeducator staff, has informed district leadership they plan to go on strike starting Monday, April 8, 2024.

A labor strike means that striking workers do not come to work. The Port Angeles Educators Association (PAEA), the union representing teachers, has also chosen not to cross the picket line. Unfortunately, our schools cannot operate without instructional staff. The district will continue to bargain over the weekend, and we will keep families and staff informed while making every attempt to avoid a strike.

If the District and PAPEA cannot reach an agreement by this Sunday, April 7, at 5 PM, families will be notified via email & text that ALL SCHOOLS across the Port Angeles School District will be forced to CLOSE on Monday, April 8.

Some additional information:

Future updates will be posted on this webpage, www.portangelesschools.org/labor, and shared with families via email and text. The district will notify families about the school status for the next day by 5 p.m. the evening prior.

We understand the challenges that canceling school presents for our families, and we are disappointed in the union’s decision to strike. PASD leadership will continue to bargain in good faith, and we are laser-focused on getting the school back into session as quickly as possible.

Our next bargaining session will be held on Sunday, April 7. Our district bargaining team is committed to offering fair and competitive wages and good working conditions comparable to those of other area school districts. We are also dedicated to responsible management of school district finances to ensure our schools are financially stable for generations of future students.

Current Financial Challenges: PASD, like many other school districts across the state, has had to make significant budget cuts recently. Just last year, we cut $5 million and 9% of our budget due to declining student enrollment (the driving factor for state funding). Our financial challenges continue this year, and declining school enrollment means our district budget must be reduced again by about $640,000.

PASD deeply values our staff and would love to offer even higher pay, but our budget is stretched, and further increasing wages during a time of financial constraint could impact the programs our community values. Programs like sports, music, and student support services (counselors, school nurses, and social workers) could all be in jeopardy if staff salaries are bargained at unsustainable levels.

We will continue to keep you informed,

Sincerely,

Marty Brewer

Superintendent

Port Angeles School District

ThePort Angeles School District met for scheduled negotiations today, Friday, April 5, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00PM. Our next bargaining session will be held on Sunday, April 7.

Updates following this meeting will be posted on this webpage and shared with families via email and text message. In an effort to help families plan, the district will notify families about the status of school for the next day by 5 p.m. the evening prior.

Our district bargaining team is committed to offering fair and competitive wages and good working conditions that are comparable to other area school districts. We are also dedicated to responsible management of school district finances to ensure our schools are financially stable for generations of future students.