US News
Seattle school superintendent urges teachers union against striking amid reported $100 million deficit
Superintendent Ben Shuldiner warned the district is facing severe financial constraints as educators consider striking over pay and special education support.
The short version
- Seattle Education Association members voted 91% in favor of authorizing a strike for better pay, benefits, and special education resources.
- Superintendent Ben Shuldiner urged the union not to strike, offering a 9% pay raise over three years and retroactive pay if work continues.
- Seattle Public Schools faces an estimated $100 million budget deficit alongside a drop of about 5,000 enrolled students since 2019.
Key facts
- Ninety-one percent of voting Seattle Education Association members approved a strike authorization as bargaining over a new contract continues.[Fox News]
- Seattle Public Schools faces a budget deficit reported at around $100 million.[Fox News]
- Superintendent Ben Shuldiner offered educators a 9% pay increase over three years and retroactive pay if a strike is avoided.[Fox News]
- The district has lost approximately 5,000 enrolled students compared to 2019 levels.[Fox News]
- District plans to close and consolidate schools were abandoned following public opposition, leading officials to seek operational cuts and state or local funds instead.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether the union will initiate a strike or reach an agreement before the school term begins.[Fox News]