Teachers in La Center returned to classrooms on Wednesday, Aug. 27, despite unresolved negotiations with the school district over whether the full state-funded cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be passed into staff salaries. As of press time, the union and La Center School District remain in negotiations.
"The members have given authority for a work stoppage, but when that happens really depends on the district and what they offer," past union president Brian Clegg told The Reflector. "It's too early to tell what they might offer as we get closer to students moving back into (school), so we'll be back at the table."
Since February, LCEA and the district have been bargaining for a new contract. Both sides have agreed on several issues, but the remaining dispute centers on the 2.3% cost-of-living teacher's salary adjustment provided to the district by the State of Washington for the 2025–26 school year. LCEA wants the district to apply the full increase to salaries, while the district has proposed using half to build its reserves, citing financial uncertainty.
"[We want] a fair contract, we think fair is fair," Clegg said. "The money was earmarked for cost-of-living increases. They haven't demonstrated that they want to do anything other than add it to their end-of-fund balance. If we had failed our levy, if our enrollment were down, I think we'd be having a different conversation. But we passed our levy, and our enrollment is really healthy, and our community is growing."
Teachers stress impact on families
Union members and community supporters rallied outside La Center High School on Monday, Aug. 25, calling on the district to pass the full cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) into salaries. Educators say the increase is essential for keeping pace with inflation.
"Expenses are going up for all of us," high school counselor Julia Bronson said. "Some of us, like myself, are the sole providers for our family. Without that cost-of-living increase, really our salary in a way is going down if it's not keeping up with inflation."
"What we are really asking for is already being given … by the state," high school Spanish teacher Nora Illades added. "So we're not actually asking for more than what was already offered to us to begin with."
Former union president and current middle school history teacher Warren Westerberg said the district's position is out of step with how other districts handle COLA funding.
"Their version of meeting in the middle is to reach across the table and into our pockets," Westerberg said. "All they have to do is step back from trying to take that slice of the funds."
Frustration grows at board meeting
Tensions spilled into the school board's Tuesday, Aug. 26, meeting, where community members and teachers addressed the board. The microphone system faltered repeatedly, prompting complaints from the audience that they could not hear speakers. One attendee suggested the microphone issue seemed deliberate, though board member Craig Whited insisted it was not muted.
Among those who spoke was sixth-grade teacher Tammy Brightbill, who emphasized her decades-long ties to La Center and her desire to remain in the community.
"I have taught here for 20 years because I love teaching here," Breville said. "I love this community. I have connections in this community. I've raised my kids here. Many of these teachers out here taught my children."
Brightbill said she does not want to strike but felt educators must stand up for themselves.
Nicole Dennis, a third-grade teacher, read statements from colleagues who said they chose to work in La Center because of the strong sense of community.
"Our teachers are feeling strained with the current situation with our bargain," Dennis said. "I agree that it's disheartening to work for a district that doesn't want to support teachers with the state-funded COLA."
As of press time, negotiations were set to continue Sunday, Aug. 31. This story will be updated.
