CHENEY, Wash. — Tuesday was the first day of classes for students at Cheney Public Schools. The day itself was filled with excitement, the weeks before: nerves.
PREVIOUS STORY: Cheney parents prepare for teacher strike to possibly delay first day of school
The Cheney Education Association and Cheney School District have been negotiating teacher contracts since May. They reached a tentative agreement late on Aug 23, which was ratified by CEA members on Monday afternoon.
“I was nervous about the school start date, and I was hoping it was going to start on time. I am glad it did and that everything was settled real quick,” said Anthony Whitehead, a parent of students in the district.
The teachers union was pushing for better compensation, smaller class sizes, and more resources. It said this would help the district retain teachers, and attract new ones.
The tentative agreement now goes to the school board who have the final approval.
The Cheney EA president said in a statement that the last few weeks have been stressful.
“We are glad we could come together in the end with the school district to truly prioritize the needs of Cheney teachers and students,” said Cheney EA President Meredith Lemelin.
David Martin, parent of students in the district, was excited for the year ahead, and grateful for all those who put the work in reaching an agreement.
“I had been keeping track of it. It was a little nerve-racking actually to know if they would start school on time, but everything worked out,” Martin said.
Cheney bargainers said they are relieved to start the school year on schedule.
COPYRIGHT 2024 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
