
Seattle Schools Open on Time as Union and District Avoid Strike Amid $100M Budget Crisis
Seattle Public Schools opened on schedule on September 1, 2026, after the Seattle Education Association and the district avoided a strike despite a $100 million budget gap. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner declared the district 'broke' while the union authorized a strike over pay and special education staffing. A state mediator facilitated late-night talks, allowing the school year to begin without disruption.












