Bargaining

August 29 Bargaining Update

We are pleased to share that the Shoreline School District and the Shoreline Education Association (SEA) have reached a tentative agreement.

Throughout this process, our joint bargaining teams kept students at the center of their work, with a shared commitment to ensuring high-quality teaching and learning in Shoreline.

What is a tentative agreement?

A tentative agreement means the district and SEA bargaining teams have successfully negotiated a new contract. It is called “tentative” because it still needs to be approved by SEA members and the Shoreline School Board. Once those votes happen, the agreement becomes official.

Over the course of 23 bargaining days, which began back in March and included late nights and weekends, our teams gave their time, talent, and energy to this important work. They brought forward creative solutions and sustained a spirit of collaboration, always keeping students at the center of their efforts.

We are ready and excited to welcome students and families back next week:

• Grades 1-12 return to school on Wednesday, Sept. 3
• Kindergarten and preschool begin on Monday, Sept. 8

We are extremely grateful for the collaboration and dedication of both teams in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement that supports students, staff, and families.

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As we continue negotiations with the Shoreline Education Association, Shoreline School District remains committed to thoughtfully repurposing existing budgeted expenditures in light of our current budget shortfall.

Our priorities include: 

• Ensuring reasonable class sizes
• Dedicated time  for meaningful professional development that supports all learners
• Providing inclusive and effective support for students who receive special education services

We share a deep commitment to professional growth, student and staff well-being, and a safe, inclusive learning environment. These values guide our efforts at the bargaining table—despite serious budget constraints—and reflect our ongoing dedication to building a strong, supportive educational community for every student and staff member in our district.

Bargaining Dates:

• Thursday, August 28

• Wednesday, August 27

• Tuesday, August 26

• Sunday, August 24

• Saturday, August 23

• Thursday, August 21

  • Update from 8/22/25 district newsletter: We have met 17 times with SEA, our teachers union partner, and continue working together to maintain a strong, supportive educational community for every student and staff member in our district. The joint bargaining team will continue working through the weekend to build on the 15 SEA-initiated proposals and 7 district-initiated proposals ​for which we have tentative agreements at this time.

• Wednesday, August 20
• Tuesday, August 19
• Friday, August 8
• Tuesday, August 5
• Monday, August 4
• Wednesday, June 25
• Tuesday, June 24
• Monday, June 23
• Wednesday, June 18
• Tuesday May 20

• Tuesday, May 14

• Monday, May 5

• Tuesday, April 15

• Monday, April 14

• Wednesday, April 9

• Tuesday, March 11

  • On Tuesday, March 11, the Shoreline School District and Shoreline Education Association (SEA) bargaining teams met all afternoon for our first joint negotiations session in our open bargain. The room was full, with 23 members participating in the process on the combined team. After some brief introductions, and with new bargainers on both teams, we discussed how we want to proceed and co-created agreements that will guide our work. The group reviewed nuts and bolts, including scheduling logistics, table etiquette, our legal obligations, and how we create, present, and track proposals. Members of both teams expressed their excitement and anticipation about the bargain, with multiple comments about how individuals felt a sense of honor and responsibility toward our work. It was clear that everyone in the room shared a commitment to Shoreline’s students and that we are all dedicated to using the process to improve conditions for staff and students alike. There was laughter in the room, yet both district and SEA team members voice how seriously they took their role on the team. As we departed, we shared a unifying sense of hope. - Joint Shoreline School District/SEA Bargaining Team