Cheney School District Update

CHENEY – Cheney Education Association President, Meredith Lemelin said the organization’s general meeting will be on Tuesday.

“At that meeting, we will either be presenting our tentative agreement and ratifying our contract for the school year,” Lemelin explained, “Or we may need to vote on our next steps. Whatever they will be.”

Helen Page, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, explained, “The district has been transparent throughout the process, posting updates after each negotiation session since June, and they are available on the district website.”

According to Page, “Despite offers by the district to continue negotiations in July, CEA only agreed to one session. We remain committed to reaching an agreement before the school year begins on Aug. 27.”

“Cheney school district is one of the largest in the area, but we are among the lowest paid,” said Katherine Potter, middle school art teacher. “Our students deserve the best educators and ensuring competitive pay will keep our amazing educators in Cheney.”

According to Lemelin, the district is dragging their feet during the negotiations. “With the school year starting soon, we’re still far apart on several issues that are important for our members,” she said. “Educators want to start on day one with a contract that guarantees we can adequately serve our students.”