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Washington Unified board approves emergency strike-preparedness resolution amid contract talks
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Summary
Trustees voted to approve an emergency resolution authorizing the superintendent to act if employees engage in a concerted refusal to work; the vote followed weeks of contract negotiations and union warnings about a potential strike.
The Washington Unified School District board on Monday approved an emergency resolution that gives the superintendent authority to act quickly in the event of a concerted refusal to work by employees, a planning step the district said is intended to preserve student safety and continuity of operations.
District counsel described the measure (resolution 2526‑42) as a legal planning tool rather than a declaration that a work stoppage will occur. The resolution outlines steps the district may take to maintain student safety and instruction during a work stoppage and authorizes actions needed to comply with legal obligations.
Why it matters: The move comes as bargaining between the district and the Washington Teachers Association has been ongoing and the union has authorized an action/strike ratification vote. Commenters and union representatives criticized the district for proposing a $500‑per‑day substitute pay rate for strike coverage and said that money could instead be used to fund classroom and student supports. A WSTA representative urged the board to allow fact‑finding to proceed and to avoid “sweeping emergency powers” that the union characterized as escalation.
Board rationale: Trustees who supported the resolution said preparing for all contingencies is a duty to families and students. One trustee said the board has an obligation to plan if schools face a sudden staff shortage and emphasized the district’s intent to still reach an agreement at the bargaining table.
Vote and next steps: The resolution was presented by district counsel and adopted by the board after trustee discussion; Clerk Hunt moved the item and Vice President Castro seconded the motion. The board said its priority remains to bargain in good faith and reach a settlement, while also ensuring legally required contingency planning is in place.
What speakers said: A WSTA spokesperson reminded trustees that a strike vote is a legal step to preserve strike legality and not a declaration of intent, and urged the district to pause extreme measures until fact‑finding is completed. Community members and teachers called on trustees to prioritize retaining social workers and paraeducators over contingency spending on substitute pay.
