Seattle teachers have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, raising the possibility of disruption to the start of the new school year if contract negotiations with Seattle Public Schools fail to produce an agreement. Union members backed the measure by 91%, although bargaining teams say their priority remains reaching a deal and keeping schools open on schedule.
The labor dispute is unfolding alongside questions surrounding Seattle Education Association President Ibi Idowu, who is at the center of a district investigation. The inquiry found it was more likely than not that Idowu mistreated students while working as a special education teacher, including allegations that an 8-year-old child was injured during an incident in the classroom.