A total of 682 staff members from Battle Ground Public Schools voted to strike Wednesday at Battle Ground High School. Eleven members were against a strike. Teachers will strike if their demands are not met by the first day of school, which is Wednesday, Aug. 29.
The roar from the cafeteria at Battle Ground High School was deafening Wednesday.
A total of 682 staff members working in Battle Ground Public Schools voted to strike if their salary demands are not met by the first day of school, which is Wednesday, Aug. 29.
"We had 693 people here. We were short about 200 from the district. That was a phenomenal turnout," said Battle Ground Education President Linda Peterson. "When I ran for this position, I said I going to inform, engage and empower my members. As a union, I feel like we have done that."
According to BGPS Communications Manager Rita Sanders, the district offered its members an overall salary increase of 6.5 percent for the 2018-19 school year. The teachers are not satisfied with that offer. One of them made it clear by speaking to the crowd before the vote took place.
"If we don't stand up, the district is going to walk all over us for years and years to come!" This statement received a roaring applause from the audience.
Battle Ground joins North County districts Hockinson and Ridgefield in voting to strike. This story will be updated as more negotiations will take place over the next week.
