SEATTLE (AP) — When the Legislature finished its work this year, pay cuts for teachers dominated most discussions about the state budget, but school districts across Washington say nothing is ever simple when it comes to the budget and many teachers will not have their pay cut.
Most school districts are at least “having a conversation” with their teachers union this summer about pay cuts. But they’re also looking at other ways to make up for state budget cuts: such as laying off central office staff and eliminating programs like music.
A spokesman for the state’s largest teachers union says no matter what is decided locally about teacher salaries, most teachers will see less money coming home because both health insurance premiums and pension contributions are going up for school employees.
