On Tuesday night, the bargaining teams met with a mediator until about 9:30 p.m. There was a small amount of progress, but it was clear that these negotiations will not be resolved without the continued support of all the KEA members.
Your support up to this point has been critical and our collective goal is to reach an agreement that keeps Kent EA members in Kent with competitive salaries. Attracting and retaining quality educators is an
interest for
KEA, the district, and the community.
It's imperative that we have a strong presence at the School Board Meeting tonight. On the agenda is a vote on the district's budget. If the district insists on putting $33
million into the
rainy-day
fund, there won't be enough money left to negotiate salaries. $33 million is far above the 5% ending fund balance that school board policy suggests.
We
only have one scheduled day left to bargain. The school board must expand the parameters that they have set on salaries, or school will not begin on time. This is our last chance to voice our concerns before the General Membership Meeting.
The Board meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.
Please consider showing up early
to
rally
to support the Kent Association of Paraprofessionals just before the board meeting
begins
. It is also important to get there early for a seat.
The Bargaining
resume
s
negotiations on Thursday afternoon
,
and expect
s
to work late into the night, if necessary.
On Monday, August
27, 2018, plan on attendin
g the General Membership Meeting. At that meeting, we will either be r
atifying an agreement or preparing for next steps.
General Membership Meeting
Kent-Meridian High School Gym- 1002
Thank you for your ongoing support and activism for students and staff!
Christie Padilla
