Seattle schools, teachers reach tentative contract agreement

Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association have reached a tentative agreement just in time for the beginning of the school year.

In it, teachers would receive an 11% raise in steps over the next three years and other school staff, like instructional assistants, would see a 12% raise over that time period.

The contract would also boost efforts to hire and retain teachers of color, improve racial equity for students, and bring a small number of counselors and nurses back to school buildings.

SEA president Phyllis Campano said she’s optimistic about the deal, which building representatives voted to recommend on Saturday.

The union sent members a summary of the tentative agreement Sunday evening.

"I think our teams worked really hard, and our members really knew what the general membership was looking for," Campano said. "I think they will be happy with what they see."

In a written statement, SPS superintendent Denise Juneau said she was deeply grateful for the hard work that went into the bargaining effort.

"I look forward to continuing our common efforts with SEA to provide an excellent education for all our students, in particular for students of color and those who are furthest away from educational justice," Juneau wrote.

Union members will vote on the contract Tuesday evening at Benaroya Hall.

School is scheduled to begin September 4.