Lake Washington educators reach TA

Education support professionals will vote on ratification on Thursday, Nov. 20.

The following is from the LWESP:

REDMOND, WA (November 17, 2024) — The Lake Washington Education Support Professionals (LWESP) and Lake Washington School District reached a tentative agreement on a new contract just after 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 13, averting a strike that would have started today.

Members will gather at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 20, at a location to be determined, to take a ratification vote on the new agreement. No details of the tentative agreement will be released until LWESP members have had a chance to review and discuss the details.

LWESP members have been working without a contract since Aug. 31. Negotiations with the district began in March. Thursday was the last scheduled bargaining session.

Lake Washington Education Support Professionals members rallying in early November. Photo: LWESP

LWESP represents office professionals, nurses, health room office professionals and account technicians in the Lake Washington School District. Members have made clear that their top priorities must include more than 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment to wages to combat rising costs, restoration of health room office staffing, and sick leave parity with teachers.

“We’re proud to share that LWESP has reached a tentative agreement with the school district — an important step forward for the dedicated professionals who keep our schools running every day. From health rooms to front offices to central offices, our members are the backbone of our school communities,” says LWESP President Lydia Wheeler. “This agreement reflects their essential contributions and the respect they deserve. We are deeply grateful for the solidarity and support of our members, our labor partners and the broader community. Your voices and advocacy made this possible, and together we’re building stronger schools for everyone.”

LWESP is working with the Trades’ Council (which includes Teamsters Local 763) and SEIU 925, the other two classified units, in the district as a coalition. Negotiations are ongoing for Teamsters Local 763 and SEIU 925.

 Lake Washington Education Support Professionals (LWESP) is made up of 300 support professionals in the Lake Washington School District. It is affiliated with the statewide Washington Education Association and the National Education Association, both of which represent K-12 teachers, support staff and higher-education employees.