After weeks of stalled beginnings, the Evergreen Public Schools district is ready to open its doors to students once again. The PSE Large Group classified union, representing the support staff, has ended its strike with the ratification of a new contract. In a report from KGW, the deal was voted on Thursday after a tentative agreement was struck between union leaders and district officials late Wednesday.
Dr. Christine Moloney, the EPS Superintendent, expressed relief, stating, "I am so happy to confirm that classes in Evergreen Public Schools will begin tomorrow, September 12." This follows a prolonged work stoppage that delayed the start of the academic year. The district acknowledges the loss of 12 instructional days and, as highlighted in an article by KOIN, has plans in the works to address how the time will be made up, although specifics are still forthcoming.
There was a palpable sense of victory for the classified staff, whose union president Mindy Troffer-Cooper conveyed their resilience,"This agreement is the product of incredible strength and unity from Evergreen’s classified staff,". "Our members stood strong in the face of legal threats and misleading tactics because they knew what was at stake: stability for students, livable wages for staff, and respect for the work that keeps schools running," Troffer-Cooper told KATU. Details on the catch-up plan are expected to be released in due time, yet for now, the immediate concern is fostering a smooth transition back into daily school life for both students and the now-contracted staff members.
