Parents, students join teachers on Kelso picket lines
KELSO, Wash. -- The Kelso Education Association and the Kelso School District could not come to an agreement during negotiations Tuesday night, continuing the teachers' strike.
Parents and students joined teachers on the picket lines Wednesday morning.
Members of the Kelso Education Association voted to strike Monday night, and Wednesday's classes had already been canceled when negotiations began Tuesday, due to the uncertainty surrounding the strike.
As of right now, the school district says, classes are also cancelled for Thursday, unless the strike ends, and an agreement is reached. The district will notify parents by early afternoon Wednesday, according to a spokesperson.
The union told the district there would be no access to the schools until the strike is over, according to a letter to parents from Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich.
"It hits me right here," said Jake Alabiso, school psychologist at Barnes Elementary School. "To take such strong action for the kids brings mixed feelings for me."
"(Parents) should know that we have their kids' best interest at heart," said reading coach and union spokesperson, Sandy DeBruler.
Kelso teachers have been working without a contract since June 30. The union said one of the biggest sticking points in negotiations has been extra paid days. Teachers asked for six extra paid days for next year and the district has offered four.
"We're asking for those two extra days for work loads for meetings," said DeBruler. "They have the money to do it."
“We understand that this time of conflict is both difficult and challenging,” said Gelbrich. “We ask for your patience as we work to resolve this labor issue. The Kelso School District remains committed to paying teachers a competitive salary while effectively managing its other fiscal responsibilities."
According to the Kelso School District, school sports will continue, despite the strike. Kids will make up missed class days at the end of the year.
"Is it fair for the kids? No," said parent, Dan Beeson. "At the same time it's not fair for the teachers to not get the cost of living."
The strike is impacting some kids who depend on school lunches. From 12:00pm-12:40pm Wednesday, parents can pick up a free lunch for their child at Barnes, Wallace, and Catlin Elementary, according to the school district.
The Kelso School District posted a Q&A on the strike Tuesday night.