Southwest Washington is grappling with multiple school labor disputes, leaving thousands of students out of class. Evergreen Public Schools remain closed as classified staff strike over wages and staffing, while the La Center School District has also shut down after teachers walked out in early September. Both districts cite budget shortfalls, but unions argue low pay forces employees to take second jobs or leave the profession. A third district, Vancouver Public Schools, could soon join them, with classified staff set to vote on a strike later this week. The growing unrest has left families scrambling for childcare as negotiations continue.
See "2 SW Washington districts close schools due to labor strikes — with a 3rd possibly on the way", Rob Manning, OPB, September 8, 2025