PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Public School District and the Portland Association of Teachers did not reach an agreement Friday after negotiating, so both sides are back at the bargaining table this weekend.
Families are facing the possibility that schools could be closed again Monday, after many struggled through two days without classes due to the strike last week.
“We’ve got everyone at home until they can figure it out," said parent Eric Gewirtz.
“It’s really inconvenient for us, but we are going to be with them as long as we have to be," added Nathaniel, a parent of a Buckman student.
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Many echoed Nathaniel's sentiment, saying although it's hard to keep kids home, they're supportive of the strike.
“We want teachers to have more money and smaller class sizes," said parent Conor Huseby.
“We’re a hundred percent for the teachers," Katie Gavula agreed, adding that she's joined the picket line at her daughter's school.
Teachers are focusing on higher wages, smaller class sizes and more prep time. To accommodate everything teachers are asking for, Portland Public Schools said it would cost more than $200 million. But district officials say they do not have the budget, and state lawmakers told KGW that it is unlikely more funding will be coming to PPS.
As administrators and teachers negotiate behind closed doors, it's students who are caught in the middle.
“I feel like I should be learning; I could have learned more in the past two days," said student Reese Huseby.
According to a statement from the teachers union, negotiations on Saturday touched on topics related to class size, increased planning time, improved building conditions, student support and safety. The union said that the talks were "constructive" but not enough progress was made for classes to resume Monday.
“We are encouraged by the improved dialogue on key issues in negotiations today, but PPS management has a long way to go to get our students what they need, settle this contract and get educators and students back into the classrooms,” said PAT President Angela Bonilla.
Both the union and Portland Public Schools confirmed that bargaining will continue Sunday. The district said they will inform parents and families Sunday at 7 p.m. if students will be back in class Monday.
Gerwitz and Gavula said they're hoping for a fair resolution, but are not optimistic a deal will be made before the start of the new week.
“Realistic that it probably won’t happen Monday. I have a feeling we’re in this for a while," Gavula said.
“We’re expecting Monday to be closed, but again, hoping that they come to an agreement as soon as possible," Gewirtz echoed.