Questions from Members (Last updated August 23, 2024)

• Many of us are concerned about increased workloads and increased class sizes. Is there a plan in place to address this?

  Our Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA or contract) currently have language around workloads and class sizes. It’s also important to note that any changes SPS wants to make regarding workload and class sizes, must be negotiated with SEA.

• How will SEA support educators facing displacement?

  Our CBA provides protections from displacement in two ways: 

  1. On the basis of seniority within each category. 
  2. With exemption language intended to protect educators of color and staff who are essential to the functioning of a site.
• Based on School Policy 6883 and the timeline to determine closures and consolidations leading into the 2024-25 school year, if schools close, will they close in the middle of the year?

  No. Any closures and consolidations will take effect in September of the 2025-2026 school year.

• Does SEA have access to SPS’s financials; will school closures and consolidations really save the district money?

  The long-standing SEA Committee for SPS Budget Analysis studies the SPS budget. A WEA Research Specialist supports this committee by providing a regular analysis of the SPS budget and spending. This committee meets yearly, and more often as our bargain approaches next spring.

  Research tells us that school closures often do not result in significant cost savings for districts and are often at the expense of our professional stability and student success–disproportionately affecting marginalized groups within our school communities.

• How involved is SEA in the decision-making, and how will SEA keep members informed?

  The decision to consolidate or close schools lies with SPS. However, SEA retains the right to negotiate any policies and plans that impact our work and our students. We remain committed to keeping members involved throughout this process using our normal channels, such as email, our website, and social media.

• What will the impact on programs be?

  We expect SPS to take community and staff input through meaningful community engagement around programmatic impacts. SEA will be keeping members informed as we learn more.