ALBANY, Ore. — Hundreds of parents and students turned out to support Albany teachers Saturday in a rally as mediation continues for the first strike in over 40 years. The strike might go into next week.
The school district has canceled two school days next week, but as of 1 a.m. on Friday, the union said progress has been made, saying it reached a tentative agreement with the district on two key items — prep time and professional development. Two other agreements on health and safety policy have also been reached.
Saturday's rally was organized by parent-led grassroots organization Strong Albany SchoolS (SASS).
“GAPS teachers are battling for the future of our children,” said Kat Martinez, a parent to three students within the district. Martinez also helped organized the rally. “This strike is about ensuring kids in our community are given the same levels of support provided by nearly every other district in the state."
The Greater Albany Education Association teachers union said Thursday that a teacher filed formal charges accusing the district of trying to pressure parents into agreeing to reductions in support for their students' Individual Education Plans (IEP) and holding what they characterized as "illegal secret meetings" to discuss the changes without teachers present. In addition, the teachers' union has demanded the school board resign.
Superintendent Andy Gardner criticized the move, saying board members are elected community volunteers who recognize the need for teacher pay increases. Gardner added that the district was aware of the IEP complaint and will respond once it has investigated and heard back from the Oregon Department of Education.
KGW's Anthony Macuk and John Adams contributed to the reporting of this story.
