CHENEY, Wash. – Members of the Cheney Education Association (EA) will rally on Aug. 14 at Cheney Middle School to advocate for better contract terms and increased support for students and educators, amid ongoing negotiations with the district.
The rally to garner student support will be held at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Cheney Middle School.
According to the press release, Cheney EA members and district officials have been meeting since May to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement for the upcoming school year. The current contract expires on Aug. 31.
Cheney EA members said they aim to protect class size limits and reduce caseloads for the district’s most vulnerable students while increasing support for special education and inclusion.
“Every child deserves a safe learning environment,” explained CEA President Meridth Lemelin. “The answer to safe classrooms for staff and students is training, support, and sufficient staffing.”
According to Lemelin, the district is delaying progress in negotiations. “With the school year starting soon, we’re still far apart on several issues that are important to our members,” she said. “Educators want to start the year with a contract that ensures we can adequately serve our students.”
Cheney EA members are also focused on recruiting and retaining the best educators. Cheney teachers are among the lowest-paid in the greater Spokane area, which hampers retention.
“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 help keep our outstanding educators in Cheney.”
Union members and district officials are scheduled to meet again for negotiations on Wednesday, Aug. 14.
