Sumner Paraeducators Strike Ends With New 3-Year Contract

SUMNER, WA — A paraeducators strike that canceled classes for Sumner-Bonney Lake students for two days ended Monday afternoon. According to the paraeducators' union, 97 percent of members voted to ratify a new three-year contract that will ensure raises averaging 12.5 percent in the first year. School district officials said the agreement will provide a 2 percent salary increase in the second year and inflationary adjustments in the third year. The Board of Directors will vote on the contract at the next meeting, scheduled for November 13th.

"SBLSD administration is thrilled that school is back in session and back educating our community’s children with a shared mission of providing high-quality instruction for every student, every day, in every classroom," the school district said in a statement posted online.

Paraeducators voted to strike last Thursday after failing to come to terms with the district. The teachers' union voted unanimously to not cross picket lines, and classes were canceled Friday and Monday. A tentative agreement was announced Sunday, but classrooms remained shuttered on Monday until a vote could be held. Classes will resume at all Sumner-Bonney Lake schools on Tuesday morning.