FILE - Members and supporters of the Camas Education Association demonstrate outside of Camas High School on Aug. 28, 2023.
Troy Brynelson / OPB
One of the teacher strikes in Southwest Washington is ending. Camas teachers can head back to the classrooms Friday, after more than a week on picket lines.
The Camas Education Association said late Wednesday night it reached a tentative agreement with the school district, opening the door for the school year to start in the 7,000-student district by the end of this week.
Then on Thursday, its more-than 450 members voted “overwhelmingly” in favor of ratifying the tentative agreement.
Classes remain canceled Thursday, but they could resume Friday.
The union statement said they found common ground on class sizes and cost-of-living increases, among other sticking points between the two sides. District leaders said they were “happy to share” news of the tentative agreement on a two-year contract.
“We want to express deep appreciation for our dedicated teachers and the negotiation teams who worked tirelessly to reach an agreement that reflects our shared commitment to our students’ well-being and educational experience,” said Camas Superintendent John Anzalone in a statement late Wednesday.
Both the Camas and Evergreen school districts have been forced to delay the start of the school year due to teacher strikes. Camas teachers began their strike on what would have been the first day of school for them, a week ago Monday. Evergreen’s strike began two days later.
The larger Evergreen School District in Vancouver remains on strike as it continues negotiating with its teachers.
The Camas School District announced Wednesday a separate deal with its public school employees union, representing bus drivers and other workers.