Teachers vote to strike in Cheney

CHENEY – The Cheney Education Association (CEA) is pushing for more substantial salary increases than those currently offered by the Cheney School Board, following a week of negotiations.

In a recent email update to parents, the school district outlined the CEA's demands. The association is seeking an 8% salary increase for the upcoming school year, along with an additional professional development day in the 2024-25 school year. For the 2025-26 school year, they are asking for an 8.5% raise, additional Independent Professional Development opportunities, and another extra day-bringing the estimated total increase to about 11.5% for that year. Overall, this amounts to approximately a 19.5% pay increase over two years.

In contrast, the school board has proposed a 7.2% salary increase for the first year, followed by a 5% increase in the second year and a 5.3% increase in the third year. This proposal amounts to a 17.5% raise over three years, beginning this school year.

CEA President Meredith Lemelin informed members at a general meeting on Tuesday that a vote would be held soon. "At that meeting, we will either be presenting our tentative agreement and ratifying our contract for the school year," Lemelin stated. "Or we may need to vote on our next steps. Whatever they will be."

Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement have been ongoing since May, as the current contract is set to expire on August 31. On August 14, association members held a picket in front of Cheney Middle School, demanding a fair contract. Chanting slogans like "What do we want? A fair contract! When do we want it? Now!" the demonstrators received support from passing motorists who honked their horns in solidarity.

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

Lemelin has expressed frustration with the district's pace in negotiations, especially with the school year fast approaching. "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."

Helen Page, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, emphasized that both Cheney Public Schools and the CEA have been engaged in full open contract negotiations since May, with a focus on ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment while attracting and retaining high-quality staff. She noted that the district is operating within parameters set by the Board, which include maintaining a 5% fund balance with a goal of 7%, creating a sustainable contract without reducing staffing, and incorporating feedback from the strategic plan, which reflects input from staff, parents, community members, and students.

Page also highlighted the district's transparency throughout the negotiation process, with updates posted after each session since June, all available on the district website. She pointed out that despite the district's offer to continue negotiations in July, the CEA only agreed to one session. Nevertheless, the district remains committed to reaching an agreement before the school year begins on August 27.

"As of August 13, negotiations have resulted in 39 tentative agreements, with the district proposing a 15.14% pay increase over three years," Page added. "This proposal would allow the district to continue paying our teachers a competitive rate while remaining good stewards of our taxpayer dollars."