The first-ever teachers' strike in Portland, Oregon, which lasted for over three weeks, has come to an end with a tentative agreement between the Portland Public Schools and the Portland Association of Teachers. The strike, which affected approximately 45,000 students, was centered around issues of pay, class sizes, and planning time for teachers.
The tentative agreement includes a 13.8% cumulative cost-of-living increase over the next three years for teachers, a significant boost in planning time, and soft caps on class sizes with overage pay for teachers. The deal also includes expanded language on target class sizes and caseloads, improved overage thresholds, and a guarantee of 410 minutes of protected planning time for educators at every grade level. Additionally, the agreement includes tripling the number of team members dedicated to supporting students' mental and emotional health.
To make up for the 11 days of missed school due to the strike, the plan includes holding classes through December 22, adding a day each in January, February, and April, plus June 12-14. Classes are set to resume on a two-hour delay.
The contract, which still requires approval from teachers and the school board, will cost approximately $175 million over the next three years. The strike has highlighted issues with public school funding in Oregon, with the district stating it will need to seek additional funding to meet the terms of the agreement.