PORTLAND, Ore. — For three months now, teachers in the Beaverton School District have been working without a contract. Teachers on Monday held what they called a “walk in” at schools to get their message across.
In the new contract, teachers have said they want safer and more inclusive learning environments. That means having increased staff to help students who might be having behavioral issues. They also want to see more funding from lawmakers in Oregon and Washington D.C.
Teachers are currently in the middle of contract negotiations with the district. These negotiations impact 2,750 certified educators that include counselors and teachers. Lindsay Ray, the president of the Beaverton Education Association union representing educators in the district, said they are still far away from what she describes as a fair deal.
“We just want to make sure our educators who work here can afford to live in Beaverton, we have a lot of educators on the lower steps struggling to make ends meet,” Ray said.
It was nearly a year ago when teachers with Portland Public Schools went on a nearly month-long strike. Ray said she’s hoping it won’t come to that in Beaverton.
“Striking isn’t off the table," she said. "That’s a very serious conversation and that’s not something we throw around. And we have to fight for a fair contract."
She’s still hoping a deal can be reached.
KGW reached out to the Beaverton School District, but hasn't heard back. Ray said they have a joint bargaining session scheduled for Oct. 9.