Camas School District, teachers’ union reach tentative agreement

The Camas School District and its teachers’ union have reached a tentative agreement.

“We have tentatively agreed on a new, two-year collective bargaining contract,” Camas School District Superintendent John Anzalone shared with Camas families late Wednesday night. 

Camas School District students are set to return to school Friday, Sept. 8. The 2023-24 school year was set to begin Monday, Aug. 28, but members of the Camas Education Association, the union representing more than 450 Camas educators, went on strike that day, calling for higher cost-of-living increases, caps on classroom sizes and more equitable funding for music, physical education, health and library programs. 

Union members are expected to vote on the new contract today.  

“We want to express deep appreciation for our dedicated teachers and the negotiation teams who worked tirelessly to reach an agreement that reflects our shared commitment to our students’ well-being and educational experience,” Anzalone stated in his message to the community. 

The superintendent added that the school district will release a revised 2023-24 schedule next week, and that state law requires the district to offer 180 days of instruction. 

“The state will grant no exceptions to that law because of a strike,” Anzalone said. “Makeup days will first follow our inclement weather makeup days.”

The teachers’ union said the details of the agreement will be released after CEA members have reviewed and voted on the proposed contract. 

District, PSE union also have tentative agreement

The Camas  School District also said this week that it has reached a tentative agreement with the Public School Employee union representing nearly 650 custodians, bus drivers, paraeducators, health assistants, food services workers, technology, mechanics and maintenance employees.

“We truly appreciate the collaborative process during our negotiations and how diligently both sides worked to create a fair agreement that reflects the values of our district,” PSE negotiators stated in a press release issued Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Marilyn Boerke, the lead negotiator for the Camas School District during the PSE negotiations, said the agreement “reinforces positive and inclusive working environments.”

“In addition to salary enhancements, this agreement addresses numerous issues seeking to ensure our valued support staff feel seen and heard,” Boerke said.