Last night the teachers union “Kent Education Association” for Kent School District has unanimously voted for a strike. The reason to go on strike has been stated as the time given to attend students is much shorter than classes. This meeting of teacher’s union was held at Kentlake High School, in Washington on August 26, 2009.

This is for the first time in Kent district’s history that 86.4% teachers have voted for their first strike. There are a total 1700 teachers, out of which 1500 teachers casted their vote.

Teacher’s strike is also a threat for district because it could delay the classes which are scheduled to open from this coming Monday. Further in a statement by teacher’s union, they said that class size, workload and salaries are core issues.

Local police is also well aware of this movement; Lt. Rafael of Kent police said in a telephonic interview that the whole situation is under observation.

Lisa Brackin Johnson, a spokeswomen of education association said that we demand from district to depute more teachers from reserves to minimize the class size. But district has rejected it stating the reason that it could strapped for cash about 2.7 million USD.

In another statement by district official, Becky Hanks said that we are offering three percent as an average raise and half of it by the next year.

Wednesday teacher union bargained with district officials till 3 PM with on end results. They are supposed to resume their talk next day with hope to reach an agreement so that school could be reopen timely as per schedule.

Kent School District Strike