Renton coaches reach tentative agreement

Agreement comes after the AFT Washington-represented workers voted to authorize a strike

RENTON, WA (August 19, 2025) — Coaches in the Renton School District (RSD) have reached a tentative agreement on a contract, averting a strike that would have begun Monday, per the American Federation of Teachers Washington in a news release.

If ratified, this tentative agreement would become the coaches first union contract. Coaching staff at the Renton School District were inspired to organize two years ago when they realized that many coaches were underpaid by the district, some even making less than minimum wage.

While details of the agreement are not currently available, throughout negotiations the coaches have been pushing for fair wages, consistent working conditions and a contract that helps to retain coaches. The workers rejected an offer from the District in July that included a 2.5% raise, with the union noting in a news release that AFT Renton Coaches are the lowest paid coaches compared to neighboring school districts, despite Renton facing the same cost of living challenges as the rest of the state. AFT Washington noted that this low pay has led to high turnover, with nearly half of all coaches leaving the district each year.

In a release announcing the strike authorization, Buddy Ryan, leader of the organizing effort and bargaining team member, said: “Retention of coaches will save the district money and give the kids a better experience overall. Students get more out of their programs when they build relationships, whether it’s with a teacher, a coach, or anyone else at their schools.”

The tentative agreement, which is recommended by the bargaining team, will now be voted on by the coaches.

AFT Washington, AFL-CIO represents 7,000 education employees in Head Start, K-12, and higher education throughout Washington State. Learn more at aftwa.org.