PORTLAND, Oregon — A teacher strike in Portland Public Schools could be less than a week away if the teacher's union and Portland Public Schools are unable to reach an agreement in contract negotiations that have gone on for months.
Now, parents are looking to find day care for their children if schools do indeed close.
"I know it's a real scramble and a real pain point,” said Melanie Marconi, a Portland Public Schools parent and owner of VIDA Coworking.
Parents of students at Rigler Elementary School told KGW they created a Google form for parents to share services, like child care, that they can provide.
"What we're trying to do with this is not leave anybody, not let anybody feel like they're alone," Rigler Elementary School parent organizer Magali Rabasa said.
Multnomah County is also working with families at preschools and early learning divisions to reduce the impact of a strike on families. County officials said in a statement that if there is a strike, they will connect with families at each location. They did not tell KGW what the next step would be after that.
Some companies are also offering child care if a strike happens. One of those is VIDA Coworking, a company that creates workspace communities.
"We won't have an option if PPS closes,” Marconi said. “And so, we've got to figure it out."
Marconi, the founder of VIDA, has created a room for her daughter and other children of VIDA members. The room is filled with books, games, and arts and crafts.
From 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, VIDA will have arts, science and creative writing classes, Marconi said.
However, the company only has room for 10 students, leaving thousands of other families searching for another place for their students.
Another problem many families may face is a food shortage. Many Portland Public Schools families utilize the school district's breakfast and lunch services. Those services will continue, though officials at the Oregon Food Bank are concerned some families will not have enough food.
"Even when Portland Public Schools is closed, food is still available," Oregon Food Bank President Susannah Morgan said.
Morgan added that there will also be three temporary locations stationed in north Portland for families in need of food.
And while many parents support the teachers, many said they are concerned about repercussions of a strike.
"It's really disruptive," Marconi said.