Tacoma Education Association says district bargaining proposal would cut special-education resources

A representative for the Tacoma Education Association (TEA) told the board during public comment that district bargaining proposals presented at a recent session would reduce contractual protections and funding for special-education services.

The commenter said TEA had expected bargaining to address nonfinancial contract terms before financials but that the district opened bargaining with proposed financial changes. "The proposals were shocking in the breadth of cuts to the CBA language," the speaker said, adding that those proposals would "gut funding for special educators and increasing case load language."

The TEA representative said educators are seeking creative problem-solving at the table and urged the district to prioritize resources for special education and supports for students with the highest needs. "Educators work hard to make sure students have what they need and we often use our own time and our own resources to make that happen," the speaker said. The commenter also noted that many teachers were engaged in late-night conferences for students and couldn't attend the meeting.

The board heard the public comment but did not take action related to bargaining at the meeting. The superintendent or cabinet staff may follow up as appropriate; no collective-bargaining motions or votes were recorded in the public session.

Ending: TEA told the board it would remain united in advocacy for special-education resources and urged continued negotiations; the board did not act on bargaining items during this meeting.