San Juan Island educators vote to strike, no confidence in Diaz
San Juan Education Association news release, 8/31/17
Contact: Amy Hull, 360-378-1335 or Rich Wood, 253-376-1007
San Juan Island teachers to strike Friday, Sept. 1
“No Confidence” in Supt. Danna Diaz
This afternoon teachers on San Juan Island voted to strike beginning Friday, Sept. 1, after the San Juan Island School Board and Supt. Danna Diaz refused to negotiate a fair contract settlement.
“Superintendent Diaz and the school board refuse to invest in the quality teachers our students deserve,” said Amy Hull, president of the San Juan Education Association, which represents about 55 teachers and certificated educators. “Professional, competitive pay is necessary to attract and keep caring, qualified, committed teachers for students in the San Juan Island School District.”
Superintendents and school boards in dozens of districts across Washington have reached fair contract settlements with their teachers this month, many with substantial salary increases. San Juan teachers are the only educators on strike in Washington. The last teacher strikes in the state were in 2015.
Diaz’ current proposal would put San Juan educators further and further behind their peers in other districts, which would put island students at a disadvantage.
Approximately 97 percent of the teachers at tonight’s union meeting voted to strike. School started today (Aug. 31) in the district, which has 750 students. The existing contract expired today. Teachers also voted “no confidence” in Diaz by 97 percent.
Teachers are frustrated by the lack of respect shown by Diaz and believe her refusal to negotiate a fair contract proves she doesn’t value San Juan teachers.
“We believe educators should have more control over their own professional development choices and the purchase of curriculum and support materials from dedicated classroom budgets,” Hull said. “But Supt. Diaz doesn’t trust or respect us as education professionals.”
At the meeting, the sentiment was that she treats teachers like they are replaceable.
SJEA is affiliated with the statewide Washington Education Association.
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