Evergreen staff and union leaders press board to resolve stalled contract talks as mediation continues

Dozens of Evergreen Public Schools employees and parents urged the school board on Aug. 12 to resolve ongoing contract negotiations, saying delayed agreements and low pay for paraeducators and custodians harm students and force experienced staff to leave. Public commenters included custodial staff, paraeducators and the president of the Evergreen Public Schools Council (PSC), who said bargaining has stalled two weeks before the start of the school year.

The speakers said the dispute affects student services and could disproportionately harm students with greater needs. ‘‘I don't want to deal with the strike because it would affect, it affects our vulnerable populations, special needs kids,’’ said a virtual commenter, Mr. Smith, who asked board members to accelerate work on the PSE contract. Melinda Trofer Cooper, identified in public comment as Evergreen PSC president, told the board that bargaining repeatedly left members ‘‘devalued and disrespected’’ and warned she would not accept…