Evergreen board approves resolution delaying school start to Sept. 2 amid threat of PSE large-group strike

The Evergreen Public Schools Board of Directors on Aug. 22 approved Resolution No. 7077, moving the districts first day of school from Tuesday, Aug. 26, to Tuesday, Sept. 2, and authorizing a set of emergency powers to be used if employees represented by the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) Large Group withhold services.

The resolution, adopted after a short executive session and discussion, says the board has "substantial grounds to believe that an unlawful strike by employees represented by the PSE Large Group is imminent or underway," and states that state law prohibits public school employees from striking. It says the board moved the start date "to provide certainty and stability to families and staff" and to avoid day-by-day cancellations if a strike continued.

The board directed the districts bargaining team to make itself available to meet and negotiate with PSE Large Group every business day until a resolution is reached. The resolution also authorizes a range of measures to be used during any period when employees withhold…