UPDATE: Northshore teachers agreed Wednesday to vote on a strike.
Updates on this story can be found here.
BOTHELL -- Northshore teachers say their top priority for a new contract may not be what you think.
Northshore Education President Tim Brittell says the district has not moved on a key point in current negotiations: school security.
"Two-thirds of our classroom doors require our educator to step out into the hallway to lock their door in case there is an active shooter," says Brittell, who says the District could inexpensively fix the locks on the doors, but as been reluctant to do so.
Brittell says assaults on teachers have also been on the rise, and of concern as well to the membership.
But, as far as the locks, "I'm not asking for a cadillac, I'm just acting for something that's a deterrent from someone trying to come from a door."
Parents, like Jennifer Wright, say the issue is of grave concern to her. "I trust the schools to take care of my children - when they're not with me. I'm very emotional about this topic, but I think about it every day. I make sure I tell my kid I love him and pray that he comes home."
The Northshore School District released a lengthy statement to KING 5 late Thursday:
Safety of students and staff is a paramount concern for Northshore School District. We determined the best first step in facility improvements is to update intercom systems so announcements can be heard broadly and clearly. Importantly, we are reviewing safety processes and procedures in conjunction with present and future facility needs.It is not uncommon that public schools have students who demonstrate aggressive behavior. The district has supports and training in place to support staff, and it has been an important focus for Northshore:
• Provide Right Response training and certification for special education teachers and staff who work with high needs students that demonstrate aggressive tendencies. Last year, 162 staff members were trained and numbers this year are fairly consistent.
• Offer de-escalation training periodically throughout the school year to teachers and staff.
• Providing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) training for school teams (multi-year plan) in strategies and systems to support positive interventions for students based on individual needs.This includes the provisions of school-based mental health therapists. Other schools also contract for mental health services using grants and other revenue sources.
• District has an elementary Board Certified Behavior Analyst with special education certification who assists special education teachers in supporting students with challenging behaviors and works in general education and special education classes to provide strategies and hands-on support. At the secondary level, the district contracts services to provide the same level of support.
• Contract with agencies for specialized trained personnel to assist us in working with our students with significant emotional behavioral concerns.
It is through the combination of staff training, resources and specialized personnel that we develop a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of students.Brittell says the Northshore contract expires on August 31st.
