Wahkiakum School District, teachers avert strike

A strike was averted at Wahkiakum School District after the board of directors and teachers were able to come to an agreement during salary negotiations on Tuesday evening.

On Monday, teachers had voted to strike following a tense meeting with the board of directors and administration that day. Teachers planned to begin picketing on Wednesday morning.

Wahkiakum teachers sought an 11 percent raise across the board, based on last year's salary schedule, plus five TRI days, which cover some of the extra time that teachers spend preparing for school activities.

The board rejected the teachers' proposal but on Tuesday evening came back with a counter offer: an 11 percent raise across the board and two TRI days, according to a source.

The teachers accepted the offer.

This apparently would have been the first strike by teachers in the district's history.

District Superintendent Brent Freeman issued this statement on Tuesday afternoon before the matter was resolved: "Wahkiakum School District has conducted salary negotiations with teachers and support staff over the past week. Wahkiakum School District values all of our employees and recognizes that the school district is an important part of our community.

"The district certainly understands the desire for increased pay, but the district also has to be fiscally responsible and ensure that the district is able to pay for education not only for today’s children but also for tomorrow’s children and continuing for future generations. The school district looks forward to resolving this issue so we can focus on the education our children deserve."