Tentative Agreement + Food Drive

Congratulations to KEA. After collecting so much food from and for the community while picketing today, the sweetest treat was the TA that arrived early this evening. Tomorrow's meeting will allow members to hear about the TA package all together. They'll discuss, debate and decide whether to ratify the agreement. The day was full of twists -- clouds and a bit of rain rather than the excessive heat predicted; extremely excessive heat at the negotiating table the last, long day including the KSD filing for an injunction and the KEA filing an ULP. Too many TLAs (three-lettered acronyms)? In that case, see all KEA members at South Hills Church tomorrow -- 3700 W. 27th at 10 a.m.

Meanwhile, enjoy photos from today's food drive and picketing. Food went to three separate locations in the community.

Late night

From what we hear, our team (just now) is departing the Admin Building for the night. It was a honking hot day today on the picket line. At nearly 11 p.m., it's all we can do just to post the following: Tomorrow is food drive day. Report to schools 8-11. We'll send some people from each school to two spots in Kennewick to donate the food. Tomorrow, stay hydrated. Stay cool. Stay chill. People are working hard on behalf of the students and their educators. A few photos for late-nighters:

Groundhog Day in August

Today was like yesterday at the bargaining table only a little worse because sometimes we take two steps back to take one step forward. Before we get too bummed out, think about how our colleagues at the bargaining table feel. There is always an end, but for now, we're still at the beginning. We report, tomorrow, to schools at 8. We will be at our schools until we head over to the Admin Bldg at 11. Give yourself time to get from point A (your school) to point B (Admin Bldg) so you arrive and are parked before 11. Please remember sunscreen, hats, water, etc.

Send good thoughts to negotiators who are, currently, still bargaining. We hear that they really want to have a dinner with their families. Or, a home-cooked meal. Here are some photos from today that are not on our KEA Facebook page.

No agreement -- don't let chaos take over

There is no Tentative Agreement at this time. While we are always cautiously optimistic, we are asking you to take a breath and wait for details. While some members report receiving a schedule for the first day of school tomorrow, we ask that you wait to see the exact start date for school. We are still waiting to hear. Please know, we will send out messages as soon as we can.

Hundreds turned out for Staff Excellence Rally at District Offices this morning

A sea of  KEA members and other supporters were on hand to stand in solidarity at KEA's Staff Excellence Rally.

Several hundred KEA members and other supporters showed up at the Admin Building early this morning to attend a Staff Excellence Rally. While the mood at the rally was positive, teachers talked about their hopes to avoid the impending strike should they not receive a Tentative Agreement by the end of the day. Special thanks to SEIU members who came out this morning in to stand with us.

People were pleased to be together but
the gravity of an impending strike was
also on the minds of rally attendees. 

Teachers shared their excitement about welcoming students back to school, but also showed their resolve to support the KEA Bargaining Team. Bargaining Team members shared an update and thanked members for their continuous support. They told members they are the real power behind the bargain and reiterated that they would not bring them a Tentative Agreement unless they felt it was a fair and competitive contract.

While the District continues to post convoluted messages on their website, KEA members emphasized today they simply want students in our community to have the high quality teachers they deserve.

KEA President Rob Woodford shared a heartfelt message today.

KEA President Rob Woodford thanked all of the educators who have been helping to teach and shape his grand nephews as they go through Kennewick schools. He says they are receiving a great education and that he wants that to continue for all students in the community. He emphasized how impressed he is with the number of people stepping up to be picket captains and zone coordinators. While no one wants to go on strike, he says, he is very proud of the work everyone is doing to prepare for whatever happens next.

Heather Bjorge received recognition from one of her colleagues for her "Unwavering support of all of her students."

"Best Paleontologist" award went to David Isley at Washington.

Spirits were high as members greeted one another and presented Staff Excellence awards. Washington Elementary's David Isley received a "Best Paleontologist" award from a colleague for igniting passion in his students by filling his room with dinosaurs.

A Southridge High School teacher recognized one of her teammates for "always having my back" while they both work tirelessly to help students reach their academic potential every day.

Union members waved as they were recognized at the rally.

A Chinook Middle School teacher received an "award" for helping to create "human beings" with empathy, compassion and kindness.

Students got in on giving
awards to excellent staff.

KEA members were not the only ones acknowledging the great work of teachers. Students also took time to thank their excellent teachers. The mass of red-shirted educators were covered in hand written awards that were safety pinned on to people's shirts.

Following the rally, people stayed behind to talk with media, let bargaining team members know that we are behind them 100 percent and to help clean up. Then, most everyone headed off to school to prepare their classes for what everyone hopes will be happening soon -- the first day of school. Below are a few extra photos from this morning's event.