Seattle Public Schools, educator's union continue negotiations

The useful part

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner said Tuesday afternoon he has renewed optimism that a school strike can be averted. Classes for 1st-12th grade students across the district are set to begin Wednesday, unless a strike takes place. If schools aren't in session Wednesday, he said, bagged breakfast and lunch will be available to students, and to anyone who asks.

How it works

• School buses, however, won't be operating, meaning students would have to get to school on their own to get food.
• this morning, we were working really, really hard, going back and forth, the union has been really, really thoughtful around putting kids first and making some really great decisions," he told The Center...
• Before and after-school programs, run by partner agencies, will also continue, but availability will vary by school, the superintendent said.
• He said different partner agencies have separate agreements with different schools.
• Meanwhile, in the event of a strike, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced...

What to take from it

"I'm more hopeful now than 24 hours ago, because we spent most of the last 24 hours negotiating." At the same time, Shuldiner said at a Tuesday afternoon press briefing that the district continues to make contingency plans in case a strike occurs.

Details worth keeping

"Our job is to serve children — we want to reduce barriers," he said. There will be no way to find out online what schools will be offering. Instead, Shuldiner advised parents to call their principal.