VANCOUVER, Wash. — Vancouver Public Schools and the Vancouver Association of Educational Support Professionals (VAESP) have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining contract, both sides confirmed Monday.

The agreement was reached Sept. 15 during mediated talks with the Public Employment Relations Commission, according to VAESP.

On Sept. 11, about 80% of VAESP’s members voted to authorize a strike after their previous contract expired Aug. 31, according to the union. VAESP, which represents more than 800 classified staff — including paraeducators, clerks, secretaries, technology support specialists, Braillists and American Sign Language interpreters — said it had been in negotiations with the district since April.

Union leaders said their bargaining priorities incl

See Full Page