Kent schools, teachers union reach impasse in negotiations

The head of the labor union that represents Kent public-school teachers says she is disappointed Kent School District negotiators suddenly declared an impasse Friday afternoon, an action that could push contract negotiations into mediation with the state Public Employees Relations Commission.

"We thought we were finally beginning to make some progress on issues. It's unfortunate that the district felt they needed to go there," said Lisa Brackin Johnson, president of the 1,700-member Kent Education Association. Talks broke down after a morning of negotiations, she said.

District spokeswoman Becky Hanks said that after nearly a dozen negotiating sessions with union representatives, mediation may offer the best chance for a new contract before the scheduled Aug. 31 start of school for more than 26,000 students.

"We chose that route because we believe that gives us the most promise of making progress," Hanks said. "We want to see this resolved and see our students in school."

Hanks said the union on Wednesday rejected a district offer that included more pay for teachers, and that the district has rejected a union-compensation proposal that would have cost the district $16 million over the next two years.

In a letter the district prepared late Friday to mail to parents and staff, Superintendent Edward Lee Vargas said the start of school could be delayed.

The union has scheduled a general membership meeting for Aug. 26 to vote on a new contract, if a tentative agreement has been reached, or to take a strike vote.

"We let them know the bargaining team would be available 24/7," Johnson said, "and we are willing to meet whenever they are ready."

The district and the union have been in talks since April. The current contract expires Aug. 31.

Charles E. Brown: 206-464-2206 or cbrown@seattletimes.com