SPS Bargaining Updates

School will Start on Sept. 2

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is pleased to announce that the 2026-27 school year will begin as scheduled on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The first day of school for preschool and kindergarten students will be on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

This news follows a tentative agreement reached between SPS and the Seattle Education Association (SEA) on a contract to replace the one that expired on Aug. 31. SPS and SEA have been engaged in negotiations throughout the summer and worked diligently to reach an agreement that supports students, staff, and school communities.

Sept. 1, 9:30 p.m. Update
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and the Seattle Education Association (SEA) continue to engage in productive negotiations, and progress is being made. Both sides remain hard at work and are getting very close as discussions continue.

Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this process. We know this has been a long evening, and we appreciate your continued support. We expect to provide another update within the next hour and will share more information as soon as it becomes available. Please stay tuned.

Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m. Update
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and the Seattle Education Association (SEA) remain hard at work. Negotiations continue to move in a very positive direction. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to providing another update at 9:30 p.m. Please stay tuned.

Sept. 1, 5:30 p.m. Update
Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association continue to engage in positive and productive negotiations. Learn more about student/family supports available in the event of a strike.

Thank you for your patience and support as this important work continues. We look forward to sharing another update at 7:30 p.m.

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Sept. 1 Press Conference Recording

SPS Superintendent Ben Shuldiner held a press briefing earlier today, Sept. 1, to update the community on current negotiations with the Seattle Education Association (SEA).

Watch the Sept. 1 press conference recording on YouTube

We will provide updates as they become available. Learn more about SPS/SEA bargaining.

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Aug. 31 Press Conference Recording

SPS Superintendent Ben Shuldiner held a press briefing on Aug. 31 to update the community on current negotiations with the Seattle Education Association (SEA).

Watch the Aug. 31 press conference recording on YouTube

Key themes included:

• The goal is to have kids in the classroom on Wednesday morning.
• The SPS team is willing to work with SEA 24/7 to reach an agreement.
• A mediator is supporting the progress in negotiations and has proved helpful. 
• Focused on finding a solution to the tough issue of special education for our kids. 
• SPS has offered an 8.8% raise over three years to all SEA bargaining units.

We will provide updates as they become available. Learn more about SPS/SEA bargaining.

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Posted: Aug. 29, 2026

2026 Seattle Public Schools Bargaining Updates

For the past several months, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has come to the bargaining table with purpose, persistence, and a clear commitment to students, families, educators, and schools. SPS remains steadfast in its commitment to working with Seattle Education Association (SEA) to achieve an agreement that serves all students, supports our employees, remains fiscally prudent, and positions our schools for a successful year.

SPS proposes a comprehensive agreement that increases educator compensation by nearly 9% over three years, expands student mental health and special education support, and invests in professional development, all while maintaining fiscal stability.