Teachers in Seattle, Pasco still seek contracts

SEATTLE — Seattle teachers reached agreement with school district management on some issues during weekend contract talks, but Wednesday’s scheduled start of classes could still be delayed.

Meanwhile, teachers in Pasco voted not to return to the classroom despite a court order to end a strike.

The Seattle Times reported Tuesday that the district and teachers union agreed Saturday to a guaranteed minimum 30 minutes a day of recess for elementary-school students.

Teachers had originally asked for 45 minutes and compromised on at least 30. That’s according to Rich Wood, spokesman for the Washington Education Association.

Union officials said agreement was also reached Sunday to increase pay for certificated and classified substitute teachers, an attempt to address a general shortage of substitutes.

But they remain far apart on pay and other issues.