POULSBO — Members of the North Kitsap Education Association, the union that represents NKSD teachers, voted April 30 to join other districts in the state by participating in a one-day walkout.
Educators say the walkout is to call attention to lawmakers’ failure to comply with the McCleary decision and state Supreme Court mandate to provide ample funding for K-12 education, as well as teacher compensation, and the possibility of I-1351 being amended and sent back to the voters.
The walkout is scheduled for May 18. The school district announced school will be cancelled that day. After-school athletics and events will still be held. Parents and students should contact their schools with questions regarding after-school and evening activities.
The missed day of school will be made up on June 16 to comply with state laws regarding the number of school days; June 16 was originally scheduled on the district calendar as a possible make-up day. June 15 will be a full day of school and the last day for half-day kindergarten. June 16 will be the last day of school for K-12 and will be a half-day.
Educators say the labor walkout is not about the school district, but is an effort by teachers’ associations to influence the Legislature. Teachers in other districts in Kitsap, including Bainbridge and Central Kitsap, have voted to participate in one-day walkouts.