CHENEY, Wash. — The Cheney Education Association said their schools have struggled to retain teachers.
The EA attributes this, partly, to low wages and difficult working conditions.
With the start of school less than two weeks away, teachers and community members are advocating for better pay, small class sizes and improved resources.
On August 14, teachers, students and parents gathered outside Cheney Middle School to support the district’s educators.
“I came out today because my heart is really with the Cheney teachers. I hope they can set this aside and focus on what they came into the profession to do,” said Ryan Grant, a teacher from Medical Lake.
Grant, who faced a similar situation two years ago, said schools in the West Plains area struggle to compete with the Spokane and Spokane Valley School Districts.
The Cheney EA hopes the contract they are fighting for will help retain and recruit qualified educators.
“If we have a fair contract that supports educators and leads to better student learning, it will be a win for our members and all educators in Cheney Public Schools,” said EA President, Meredith Lemelin.
The EA has been meeting with district officials on these negotiations since May. Andrea Peck, a parent and teacher in Cheney, hopes these negotiations bring safer learning environments.
“I want my children to receive the best education possible, from experienced teachers who are willing to go the extra mile for them,” said Peck.
Cheney EA said the rally aimed to urge district officials to make a long-awaited decision.
“We feel that as a staff, we deserve affordable and fair compensation to continue teaching our students and engaging them in high levels of learning,” added Peck.
The Cheney EA had its thirteenth round of negotiations with school officials on Wednesday. The association said it will determine next steps if no agreement is reached by August 20.
“We are not going settle for anything less than a fair contract,” said Lemelin.
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