Students will return to school today, after a two-hour delay. Educators end the strike with key wins in for student mental health support, class size, protected planning time, building health and safety protections, and cost of living increases.
The Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) signed a tentative agreement with Portland Public Schools (PPS) Sunday afternoon that included expanded language on target class sizes and caseloads including new committees to discuss growing class sizes, improved overage thresholds that cover new classifications of educators, and a guarantee of 410 minutes of protected planning time for educators at every grade level. Additional gains include critical contract language that protects students and educators from unsafe building conditions like extreme classroom temperatures, and a 3-year cost-of-living adjustment that reflects the critical role that educators play in our schools and communities.
“This contract is a watershed moment for Portland students, families, and educators” said PAT President Angela Bonilla. “Educators have secured improvements on all our key issues. These changes will make a huge difference on priorities like mental health supports for students, educator workload relief, and safe and welcoming school environments. Educators walked picket lines alongside families, students, and allies — and because of that, our schools are getting the added investment they need.”
Key details of the complete tentative agreement include:
1. Improved class size and caseload language, and shared decision-making committees involving educators and parents;
2. Increased access to mental health support teams for students throughout the district;
3. Stronger protections for students and educators from environmental hazards like extreme temperatures and mold;
4. A first-ever contract article dedicated to special education;
5. 13.75% COLA over three years: 6.25%, 4.5%, and 3%;
6. Expanded access to the bilingual stipend, so more bilingual educators will receive stipends;
7. And more
“Educators in Portland made incredible sacrifices to secure this historic contract,” said OEA President Reed Scott-Schwalbach.“This is a transformative deal that will improve the lives of students in Portland and have far-reaching positive effects for our students across the rest of the state.”
Of the historic agreement, NEA President Becky Pringle said “The members of the Portland Association of Teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure that students and educators have access to the positive, safe, and healthy working and learning environments they deserve. Through their collaborative efforts with parents, the school district, and the community, they have guaranteed that students and teachers return to improved schools. The steadfast dedication and unity shown have not only strengthened Portland Public Schools but have set a powerful example to districts across the nation. When we organize and work together, we can create positive change and foster an environment where teachers and students alike can thrive.”
