Kent teachers to continue strike

KENT, Wash. – Kent teachers have voted to continue their strike, despite a court injunction ordering them back to work today to prepare for students.

Kent Education Association spokesman Dale Folkerts said union members voted Monday night to continue their strike until they have a ratified contract. He said the teachers’ top issues are smaller class sizes and more time with students.

Students in Washington’s fourth-largest district, which has about 40 schools and 1,800 teachers and specialists, were scheduled to begin classes Aug. 31. Last week, King County Superior Court Judge Andrea Darvas granted the Kent School District’s request for an injunction to force teachers back to school.

District spokeswoman Becky Hanks said the district wants “our students back in school where they belong,” and its bargaining team is prepared to negotiate throughout the night.