Being a parent is nonstop hard work, making it challenging to stay on top of news that impacts families in Washington state. This Hits Home is your weekly hit of news, commentary, and, occasionally, opinion. Want to have a say? Look for the “Take action” prompts. Here’s the update for the week of June 29-July 5.
SPS starts contract negotiations with teachers, educators
Seattle Education Association (SEA), the union that represents upwards of 5,000 educators — including certificated teachers, paraprofessionals, office professionals, and substitutes — began contract negotiations with Seattle Public Schools (SPS) last week.
The two groups have 23 bargaining dates scheduled this summer in hopes of reaching a teacher contract agreement before Aug. 31, when the educator’s current contract is set to expire. Students in grades one through 12 are set to return to school on Sept. 2 to start the 2026-2027 school year. Preschool and kindergarten students are scheduled to return Sept. 8…