UPDATE: Kennewick School District, Teacher’s Union agree to mediation

UPDATE:

The Kennewick School District and its teacher's union have agreed to two bargaining sessions with a state mediator, Wednesday August 21 and Thursday August 22.

The KSD statement released early Wednesday morning:

Kennewick School District remains committed to doing everything possible, while maintaining the financial health and sustainability of the district, to reach a contract agreement with the Kennewick Education Association (KEA) and avoid a strike on the first day of school.

The district has taken the proactive step of requesting mediation services from the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) to explore possible contract solutions with the KEA. The KEA has agreed to participate and mediation sessions have been scheduled for Wednesday, August 21 and Thursday, August 22 (if needed).

We understand that many of our staff members, students, parents/guardians, and community members have an interest in the outcomes of contract negotiations and how they may affect the first day of school and the remainder of the school year calendar. We will continue to communicate updates and information on any new developments as soon as decisions are made.