Portland parents ‘excited, surprised’ at end of teacher strike
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Rob Vallance spoke for many parents with students in the Portland Public Schools.
“Well, I’m very excited, get things a little bit back to normal again,” Vallance said after hearing the strike by Portland teachers was settled. “Get back on a routine. Get these guys (his 2 kids) back getting educated. It’s going to be a good thing. Glad it happened. I didn’t expect it . It was very surprising when I found out about it.”
Parent Tony Palomino was also happy.
“It’s about time. I think it took longer than it needed to get done but I’m really glad it’s here,” Palomino said. “I’m glad they get to go back and learn tomorrow.”
PPS, PAT reach ‘tentative contract agreement’
Students will be back in class Monday, just 2 hours later than normal following the quick and surprising end to the historic teachers strike that began November 1.
PPS scheduled 3 public meetings for Sunday and Monday to discuss the collective bargaining agreement. But 20 minutes before the first one was to begin, PPS canceled all 3 meetings.
About an hour later, the tentative contract agreement was announced separately by the school district and the Portland Association of Teachers.
“This contract is a watershed moment for Portland students, families, and educators,” PAT President Angela Bonilla said in a statement.
“Our whole school community is excited to welcome our students and educators back (Monday),” PPS Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero said in a statement.
There is one more hurdle, officially, to maneuver as the 3500 teachers and the PPS board will need to ratify the deal at their Tuesday meeting. Union members will also vote on Tuesday.
One thing students are likely most interested in: making up some of the missed days of school.
The agreement also includes making up 11 instruction days: December 18, December 19, December 20, December 21; January 26; February 19; April 8; June 12, June 13, June 14.
“I’m OK with extending an extra week, you know, before Christmas break. I’m OK with that,” said Palomino. “They are going to get the learning we need to do, so I’m happy. I’m happy it’s over.”
Students, like 6th-grader Ben Vallance, are also ready to get back to class.
“I’m looking forward to seeing my teachers again after they’ve been trying to get what they need,” Ben said. “It’s going to be great seeing my teachers. They work so hard every day and it’s going to be really nice to see them again.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
