Seattle Education Association members ratify new contract

September 16, 2026 - 04:13

SEATTLE - The Seattle Education Association (SEA), a union representing 6,000 professionals in Seattle Public Schools, voted to ratify a tentative agreement with the school district.

The ratification vote concludes a period of intense negotiations between the union and district officials. The new contract addresses several key issues that educators had raised during the bargaining process, including class size limits, mental health support for students, and compensation adjustments for staff members.

Union leadership expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the agreement reflects priorities identified by members through surveys and feedback sessions conducted over several months. The contract includes provisions aimed at reducing caseloads for special education teachers and increasing access to counselors and social workers across the district.

District administrators acknowledged the collaborative effort required to reach the agreement. They noted that the terms balance the needs of educators with the financial constraints facing the school system. The contract is expected to take effect at the start of the upcoming academic year.

SEA members cast their ballots over several days, with the final tally showing strong support for the agreement. The union represents teachers, instructional assistants, and other certified staff throughout Seattle Public Schools.

Both parties described the ratification as a positive step forward for the district and the students it serves.