SEA, district reach tentative agreement

“SEA members made this agreement possible through strength and unity,” said SEA Vice President and lead bargainer Davina Diaz

The following is from the Seattle Education Association:

SEATTLE, WA (September 2, 2026) — Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Education Association are pleased to announce that the 2026-27 school year will begin as scheduled on Wednesday, Sept. 2, following a tentative agreement reached between Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and the Seattle Education Association (SEA).

Grades 1-12 students will begin classes on Sept. 2, while preschool and kindergarten students will begin classes on Sept. 8.

The tentative agreement remains subject to ratification by both parties. The Seattle Education Association membership and the Seattle School Board must each convene to consider and vote on the agreement. Dates and details for the ratification process will be announced as soon as possible.

Educators rallied yesterday outside Seattle Public Schools headquarters while negotiations continued inside. Photo: The STAND

The agreement follows months of negotiations throughout the summer and reflects the commitment of both SEA and SPS to supporting students, educators, and school communities. Both parties worked diligently to reach an agreement that supports student learning and recognizes the important work of Seattle educators.

While there were two sides at the bargaining table, SPS and SEA shared a common goal: ensuring every Seattle Public Schools student receives a high-quality education in a supportive learning environment. The tentative agreement makes it possible for students and staff to return to school as planned and begin the important work of teaching and learning.

SEA Vice President and lead bargainer Davina Diaz recognized the importance of educators’ advocacy in arriving at this agreement. She shared her hope for future collaboration.

“Educators are fierce advocates for our students and SEA members made this agreement possible through strength and unity. With our tentative agreement now behind us SEA looks forward to a new, more positive and collaborative relationship with SPS.”

Superintendent Ben Shuldiner welcomed the agreement and the opportunity to begin the school year on time.

“I am excited to welcome students, families, and staff back to school tomorrow. I am grateful for the hard work, thoughtful conversations, and shared commitment to Seattle’s students that resulted in this tentative agreement. Throughout this process, both SPS and SEA focused on what matters most: ensuring students are welcomed into safe, supportive classrooms where they can learn, grow, and thrive. I am grateful to our bargaining teams, SEA leadership, and everyone who remained committed to finding a path forward. Most importantly,

School Board President Gina Topp emphasized the importance of beginning the year as scheduled.

“On behalf of the Seattle School Board, I want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to reach this tentative agreement. We know the uncertainty surrounding the start of school has been challenging for families, students, and staff. This agreement reflects a shared investment in our educators, our students, and the future of Seattle Public Schools. We look forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms and beginning a successful new school year.”

Seattle Education Association is 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, office professionals, and other staff teaching and supporting students in Seattle Public Schools. Learn more at seattlewea.org.