Portland Public Schools
Collective Bargaining
Overview
Portland Public Schools engages in collective bargaining with its labor partners as part of our commitment to supporting students, staff, and school communities. Bargaining is a structured, legally defined process where the district and employee groups meet to discuss working conditions, compensation, and other employment-related topics. These conversations take place over time and involve multiple steps, including proposal development, discussion, and review. This page serves as a central source of verified, high-level information about the bargaining process and will be updated as key milestones are reached. While not every detail can be shared during negotiations, Portland Public Schools remains committed to clear communication, transparency, and continuity for students and families throughout the process.
How Bargaining Works at Portland Public Schools
What the Public Can Expect
Because collective bargaining is an active negotiation process, not all details can be shared in real time. PPS provides high-level updates when milestones are reached and will communicate confirmed information that impacts students, families, and staff.
While negotiations focus on employment matters, the district’s priority remains continuity of instruction, student support, and stable school operations.
Oregon-Specific Context
In Oregon public education, bargaining is governed by state law and overseen by the Employment Relations Board (ERB). The process is designed to support good-faith negotiations between public employers and labor organizations while maintaining essential public services.
Current Bargaining Agreements
Bargaining Updates
- PPS--PAT Bargaining Update for April 9, 2026
- PPS–PFSP Bargaining Update for April 2, 2026
- PPS–PAT Bargaining Update for April 2, 2026
- PPS–SEIU Bargaining Update for March 24, 2026
- Update on Educator Furlough Agreement for March 22, 2026
- PPS–DCU Bargaining Session #17 for March 19, 2026
- PPS–PAT Bargaining Update for March, 19, 2026
- PPS–PFSP Bargaining Update for March 12, 2026
- PPS–SEIU Bargaining Update for March 10, 2026
- PPS–PAT Bargaining Update for March 5, 2026
- PPS–PFSP Bargaining Update for March 5, 2026
- PPS–PAT Bargaining Update for February 19, 2026
- PPS–ATU and DCU Enter Mediation for February 13, 2026
PPS--PAT Bargaining Update for April 9, 2026
Dear PPS Staff, Families and Community,
Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) and Portland Public Schools (PPS) met for the sixth bargaining session on April 9 at the Prophet Education Center (PEC). The session began with PPS providing a comprehensive package in response to all eight of the remaining noneconomic articles proposed by PAT.
We are pleased that we were able to reach a tentative agreement on Article 29, which adjusted the number of days for union release time and added annual training on the collective bargaining agreement.
The bulk of the afternoon was spent on:
- Article 1 (Status of Agreement). PPS agreed to the addition of language to clarify the positions within the bargaining unit. The parties also discussed PAT’s proposal that a contract teacher from another Oregon district serve only one year of probation with PPS. PPS explained the concern that, with the statutory timeframe of requiring notice by March, PPS would only have approximately six months experience with a teacher before they become a contract teacher with PPS.
- Article 2 (Association Rights). PPS accepted PAT’s approach to time for PAT meetings in buildings. PPS also expressed its strong desire for inclusion of educator voices and perspective in development and adoption of curriculum, but concern about negotiation of curriculum.
- Article 5 (Grievance). PPS accepted several of PAT's proposed changes to streamline the process, with only one relatively small issue seeming to remain open (about the arbitrator pool).
- Article 6 (WorkYear). PPS responded to PAT’s proposal on the school calendar and working conditions. There were several areas where PPS accepted PAT’s proposed language, although the PPS expressed hesitation about formalizing certain remote practices and some of the other changes that affect the work year.
- On Article 10 (Academic Freedom). PPS and PAT discussed the best method to handle situations where concerns are raised about curriculum in a class. The parties discussed the lack of consistency in how such concerns are handled and how best to develop consistency in application of the Administrative Directives.
- On Article 26 (Personnel File). PPS agreed to reduce the time that a Letter of Expectation remains in a personnel file from six years to four.
- Article 28 (Negotiation Procedure). PPS offered a counterproposal to PAT’s approach for compensation for negotiations.
In the evening, PAT made its opening proposal on Article 12 (wages), proposing an 8% increase. The PPS team spoke briefly about the current financial context, and we anticipate much further discussion at the next sessions.
The next bargaining sessions are scheduled for April 21 and 30.
PPS remains committed to a constructive and transparent bargaining process and will continue to share updates and provide additional information, including calendar adjustments and implementation details, through our centralized PPS Bargaining Updates page.
PPS Bargaining Communications
PPS–PFSP Bargaining Update for April 2, 2026
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Dear PPS Staff, Families and Community, Portland Public Schools (PPS) and PFSP met on April 2 for session three of bargaining. The session included presentations from related service providers (sign language interpreters, occupational therapists, and physical therapists), along with continued discussion of contract articles and District responses to proposals. The focus of the day was on how current practices are reflected in contract language and potential adjustments within the District’s operational and financial context. As this work continues, PPS is considering how current practices and proposed changes impact students, staff, and day-to-day operations across the District.
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Bargaining Unit Expansion Discussion The session began with a presentation from Information Technology seeking voluntary recognition to join the PFSP bargaining unit. The group outlined priorities related to workplace conditions, communication, and professional growth. PPS will continue to review this request and consider next steps.
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Interpreters (SLI) The District heard a presentation from a sign language interpreter representative regarding current working conditions across multiple sites and partner districts. Topics included travel between assignments, scheduling variability, and the physical demands of the role, as well as how these factors may affect service continuity for students and daily scheduling for staff. Proposals also addressed travel expectations, assignment consistency, and supports when staff are reassigned.
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Occupational and Physical Therapists (OT/PT) The District heard a presentation from Occupational and Physical Therapists regarding updates to reflect their roles as licensed professionals. Topics included travel between sites, access to workspace and equipment, professional responsibilities, and how these factors influence consistent service delivery across schools. Additional discussion included professional learning, licensure renewal, and mentorship supports.
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Personnel File and Job Responsibilities PPS shared counterproposals related to personnel records and job expectations. Discussion included timelines for documentation, communication of expectations, and onboarding practices, including how supervisors and responsibilities are identified. PPS emphasized clear communication while considering operational realities across schools.
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Orientation and Onboarding The District and PFSP discussed onboarding practices and opportunities to improve consistency across the District. Conversation included orientation structure, school-based support, and collaboration to strengthen how information is shared with new employees.
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Evaluations and Discipline The District and PFSP continued discussion of evaluation and disciplinary processes, including check-ins, communication of expectations, and timelines for feedback. The conversation focused on consistency and transparency across roles and settings.
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What Happens Next Both parties will continue refining proposals. The next bargaining session is scheduled for April 16, with additional sessions planned later this spring. PPS will continue to share updates as negotiations progress. For more information, please visit the District’s Bargaining Updates webpage: PPS Collective Bargaining. PPS Bargaining Communications |
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Portland Public Schools Portland Public Schools aspires to graduate compassionate, critical thinkers who are able to collaborate to solve problems, and lead a more socially-just world. Central to this goal is affirming and operationalizing our deeply held community value of racial equity, social justice and inclusion. |
PPS–PAT Bargaining Update for April 2, 2026
Dear PPS Staff, Families and Community,
Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) met on April 2 for their fifth bargaining session in this round of negotiations. The session focused on continued review of contract articles, District counterproposals, and discussion of operational impacts connected to proposed changes.
Throughout the day, both teams engaged in small group and full team discussions to clarify proposals, ask questions, and better understand the intent and potential impacts of proposed language.
As part of this work, PPS continues to evaluate how to best support students and educators while aligning with the District’s current financial realities and long-term stability.
Grievance Procedures
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The teams continued discussion of grievance procedures and timelines. Conversation included how concerns are addressed at different levels, expectations for timely responses, and how information is shared during the process. Both parties discussed ways to improve clarity, consistency, and responsiveness while ensuring processes remain workable and accessible for educators and administrators.
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Workday, Collaboration, and Professional Time
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The District presented a counter-proposal related to staff meetings, collaboration time, and professional learning. The discussion focused on how to better structure time across the school day to support meaningful collaboration, planning and professional growth, while maintaining consistency across schools and protecting time for instruction. Both teams explored how proposed changes would function across different roles and settings, with a shared interest in ensuring time is used effectively to support student learning.
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Hiring and Staffing Processes
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The session included continued discussion of hiring and staffing processes, including the current job fair model and overall timelines. Both sides discussed current practices and challenges, including timelines, communication, and how processes are experienced by educators and school leaders. There was shared interest in improving the process to ensure positions are filled in a timely and transparent way, while supporting schools in having the staffing they need.
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Workload and Class Size Considerations PPS introduced a proposal related to workload and class size, focused on addressing areas while current practices have created inconsistencies and financial pressures. The District shared that the intent of this proposal is to better align resources across schools and ensure sustainability, while continuing to support strong learning environments for students. Both teams engaged in discussion about how changes could affect educators and students, with a shared focus on maintaining supportive learning environments while considering available resources. PPS emphasized that maintaining safe, supportive, and effective classroom environments remains central to all decision-making, and additional data will be provided to support continued discussion.
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What Happens Next Both teams will continue refining proposals and identifying areas for further discussion. The next bargaining session is scheduled for April 9, with additional dates planned later in April and May. PPS remains committed to a constructive and transparent bargaining process and will continue providing updates as negotiations progress. For ongoing updates on PPS labor negotiations, please visit the District’s Bargaining Updates webpage: PPS Collective Bargaining. This webpage is the primary source for official PPS bargaining communications and will be updated as new information becomes available. PPS Bargaining Communications |
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Portland Public Schools Portland Public Schools aspires to graduate compassionate, critical thinkers who are able to collaborate to solve problems, and lead a more socially-just world. Central to this goal is affirming and operationalizing our deeply held community value of racial equity, social justice and inclusion. |
PPS–SEIU Bargaining Update for March 24, 2026
Dear PPS Staff, Families and Community,
Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) met on March 24 for their second bargaining session. During this session, SEIU presented several proposals across multiple articles. The District focused on listening, asking clarifying questions, and gathering additional information to better understand the proposals and their potential impacts.
Personnel Files
SEIU presented proposed updates to Article 12: Personnel Files. The proposals included housekeeping edits and revisions related to the maintenance and removal of materials in employee personnel files. The District asked clarifying questions to better understand how the proposed changes would be applied.
Employee Evaluation
SEIU presented proposed changes to Article 13: Employee Evaluation. The proposals included clarifications regarding the evaluation process, opportunities for employee self-evaluations, and the overall use of evaluations. The District asked questions to better understand how these changes would function in practice.
Overtime and On-Call
SEIU presented proposed updates to Article 14: Overtime and Call Back. The proposals included clarifications regarding how overtime is assigned and distributed, as well as additional language related to on-call duty and compensation. The District asked clarifying questions about implementation and operational considerations.
Lunch Periods
SEIU presented a proposal related to Article 15: Lunch and Rest Periods. The proposal focused on clarifying language regarding lunch periods for employees working shorter shifts. The District asked questions to better understand how the proposed change would affect current practices.
Safety
SEIU presented proposals related to Article 18: Safety. The proposals included updates related to employee complaints, safety meetings, and employee support following workplace incidents.
SEIU’s proposals addressed employee complaint processes, including communication and follow-up during investigations, as well as safety planning in certain situations. SEIU also proposed that Nutrition Services and Custodial hold quarterly safety meetings accessible to represented employees working on the day of the meeting.
Injury Benefits and Property Loss
SEIU also presented proposals related to injury benefits and property loss, including support, resources, and compensation considerations following workplace incidents involving physical harm or threats. The District asked clarifying questions about implementation and alignment with existing practices.
What Happens Next
The next SEIU bargaining session is scheduled for April 14. PPS will continue working through the bargaining process with SEIU and will provide updates as negotiations move forward. For ongoing updates on PPS labor negotiations, please visit the District’s Bargaining Updates webpage: PPS Collective Bargaining.
PPS Bargaining Communications
Update on Educator Furlough Agreement for March 22, 2026
Dear PPS Staff, Families, and Community,
We want to share an important update regarding recent discussions between Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT).
PAT members have voted to ratify a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that includes four furlough days for the remainder of the 2025–26 school year. This agreement reflects a shared effort to address the district’s current budget shortfall while maintaining stability in our schools.
As outlined in the agreement, the designated furlough days are:
- May 1, 2026
- May 25, 2026
- June 9, 2026
- June 10, 2026
Furlough days are unpaid and no work will occur on those days.
Importantly, this agreement allows the district to avoid educator layoffs for the 2025–26 school year. This agreement also includes several adjustments to the school calendar and work schedules for the remainder of the year, including:
- Moving the final student day to June 5, 2026
- Shifting planning and grading schedules to accommodate instructional time
- Converting previously scheduled late start/early release days (April 22 and May 13) into full instructional days
PPS recognize that furloughs represent a real impact for our educators and school communities. At the same time, this decision reflects a collective effort to protect classroom continuity and minimize disruption for students during a challenging financial period.
The MOU will be brought forward to the PPS Board for final ratification and voted on during the March 31 board meeting.
We will continue to share updates and provide additional information, including calendar adjustments and implementation details, through our centralized bargaining updates page.
As always, our focus remains on supporting students, maintaining stability in our schools, and navigating this moment with transparency and care.
PPS Bargaining Communications
Portland Public Schools
PPS–DCU Bargaining Session #17 for March 19, 2026
Dear PPS Staff, Families, and Community,
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is sharing an update following the 17th bargaining session with the District Council of Unions (DCU).
Both parties discussed ongoing work from the joint wage subcommittee, which continues to gather materials and is scheduled to meet again on March 25. The DCU presented an updated package proposal, which was discussed in detail with clarifying questions from the District. The District did not bring forward any proposals this session.
Mediation remains part of the process and is scheduled for April 16, and negotiations are ongoing. PPS remains committed to a constructive, open bargaining process and will continue providing updates as negotiations progress.
For ongoing updates on PPS labor negotiations, please visit the District’s Bargaining Updates webpage: PPS Collective Bargaining. This webpage is the primary source for official PPS bargaining communications and will be updated as new information becomes available.
PPS Bargaining Communications
Portland Public Schools
PPS–PAT Bargaining Update for March, 19, 2026
Dear PPS Staff, Families and Community,
Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) met for their fourth bargaining session of this negotiation cycle. The session focused on PAT’s opening remarks with both sides discussing contractual impacts for a 12 month agreement.
Opening Context and Priorities
PAT opened by highlighting the District’s current financial challenges and the difficult decisions facing educators, including potential furloughs or layoffs. The Association emphasized prioritizing student outcomes, educator voice, and working conditions, and expressed interest in a 12-month agreement focused on safety, working conditions, and maintaining strong instructional support for students, as this is in the best interest given the current economic environment. PAT also noted the importance of advocating for additional education funding in the next legislative session.
The District acknowledged these challenges and the shared impact of difficult decisions, and expressed appreciation for the collective focus on supporting students, staff, and school communities while working to maximize outcomes for students.
Overview of Articles
PAT provided an overview of contract articles, identifying those already proposed, open for discussion, or serving as placeholders for future conversations. Topics included compensation, insurance protections, evaluation, and professional development. Both parties emphasized the importance of clarity, consistency, and understanding the operational and financial impacts of potential changes.
District Proposal: One-Year Agreement
PPS presented a proposal in the form of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) keeping the current contract in place and incorporating proposals as an amendment. This approach would maintain the existing agreement while incorporating agreed-upon updates for one year. The intent is to address immediate priorities and return to negotiate a full successor agreement after 12 months.
The proposal centers largely on articles already opened by PAT, including areas such as staff meetings, workload considerations, compensation, and provisions related to potential school consolidations, with the district emphasizing articles from the previous round that had unintended consequences once implemented.
What Happens Next
Both teams will continue refining proposals and setting agendas for upcoming sessions, with a focus on article-specific discussions.
The next bargaining sessions are scheduled for April 2 and April 9.
PPS remains committed to a constructive, open bargaining process and will continue providing updates as negotiations progress. For ongoing updates on PPS labor negotiations, please visit the District’s Bargaining Updates webpage: PPS Collective Bargaining. This webpage is the primary source for official PPS bargaining communications and will be updated as new information becomes available.
PPS Bargaining Communications
PPS–PFSP Bargaining Update for March 12, 2026
Dear PPS Staff, Families and Community,
Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Portland Federation of School Professionals (PFSP) met on March 12 for their second bargaining session in this round of negotiations. The meeting continued discussions from the first session and focused on reviewing the District’s responses to proposals previously presented by PFSP, as well as hearing new proposals from the union.
During the session, PPS shared counterproposals related to several contract articles and asked clarifying questions to better understand PFSP’s priorities and the intent behind their proposals. PFSP also introduced additional proposals for consideration. Both teams engaged in discussion about how the proposed language might affect employees and District operations.
Lunch and Rest Periods
The District presented a response to PFSP’s proposal regarding Article 15: Lunch and Rest Periods. The discussion focused on how contract language aligns with state labor requirements and how break periods are scheduled during the workday. PPS shared proposed adjustments to portions of the language and discussed how break times are typically handled when interruptions occur.
Employee Discipline
The District also presented a counterproposal related to Article 18: Employee Discipline. The conversation included discussion of how discipline procedures apply to employees, particularly during the early stages of employment, and how legal standards such as “just cause” may affect disciplinary processes.
Employee Evaluation
Discussion continued around Article 19: Employee Evaluation. PPS shared a counterproposal with revisions to the timeline for performance evaluations and addressed how evaluation processes relate to updated legal requirements. The teams discussed how evaluation timelines may affect opportunities for feedback and support during the school year.
Additional Proposals
During the session, PFSP also introduced new proposals related to contract language addressing leaves, personnel files, job duties and position descriptions, and employee orientation. These proposals focused on clarifying expectations around job responsibilities, documentation, and how job duties may be communicated and updated.
What Happens Next
The March 12 session focused on responding to initial proposals and introducing new topics for discussion. Both teams will continue reviewing proposals and considering operational and contractual impacts as bargaining continues.
Additional bargaining sessions are expected in the coming weeks as PPS and PFSP continue the negotiation process.
For ongoing updates on PPS labor negotiations, please visit the District’s Bargaining Updates webpage: PPS Collective Bargaining. This webpage is the primary source for official PPS bargaining communications and will be updated as new information becomes available.
PPS Bargaining Communications
PPS–SEIU Bargaining Update for March 10, 2026
Dear PPS Staff, Families and Community,
Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) met on March 10 for their first bargaining session. The session marked the beginning of discussions and focused on establishing the framework for negotiations and reviewing initial proposals presented by SEIU.
During the meeting, the bargaining ground rules were finalized which will guide the bargaining process moving forward. SEIU also presented two proposals for consideration. The District did not present proposals during this session and instead focused on listening, asking clarifying questions, and gathering additional information about the proposals and their intended outcomes.
Ground Rules
Early in the session, both bargaining teams reviewed and finalized the ground rules. These ground rules help establish expectations for how bargaining sessions will be conducted and how the teams will communicate and exchange proposals throughout the process.
Compensation
SEIU presented a proposal related to Article 21: Compensation. The proposal included clarifications to existing contract language and longevity pay enhancements. During the discussion, the District asked questions to better understand how the proposed changes might function in practice and how they could interact with current district operations.
Vacations and Holidays
SEIU presented a proposal related to Article 20: Vacations and Holidays. The discussion focused on clarifying contract language related to holiday provisions. The District asked clarifying questions to better understand how the proposed language might affect existing practices.
What Happens Next
The next session is scheduled on March 24. The District will continue evaluating the operational and fiscal considerations associated with the proposals that were presented.
PPS will continue working through the bargaining process with SEIU and will provide updates to staff, families, and the community as negotiations move forward. For ongoing updates and information about PPS labor negotiations, please visit the District’s Bargaining Updates webpage: PPS Collective Bargaining. This webpage serves as the primary source for official PPS bargaining communications and will be updated as new information becomes available.
PPS Bargaining Communications
PPS–PAT Bargaining Update for March 5, 2026
Dear PPS Staff, Families and Community,
Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) met on March 5 for their third bargaining session at the Marshall Campus. The session continued the early stages of this round of negotiations and focused on reviewing proposals presented by PAT.
During this meeting, PAT shared proposals related to several contract articles, including Association Rights, Work Year, Work Day, and Academic Freedom. The District did not present proposals or counterproposals during this session and instead focused on listening, asking clarifying questions, and gathering additional information about the proposals and their intended outcomes.
Association Rights
PAT presented proposed updates related to association rights and educator participation in collaborative processes. The proposals focused on clarifying language within the contract and exploring ways educators can provide input on school and district initiatives. The District asked questions to better understand how the proposed changes would function in practice and how they might interact with existing processes.
Work Year
PAT also shared proposals related to the educator work year. These proposals addressed topics such as professional development, planning and grading time, and certain calendar-related considerations. The discussion included questions about how proposed changes could affect school schedules, educator responsibilities, and district operations.
Work Day
Another portion of the session focused on proposals connected to the educator work day. PAT discussed ideas related to planning time, collaboration, and the structure of staff meetings. The District asked clarifying questions to better understand how these proposals might affect instructional time, school schedules, and staffing practices.
Academic Freedom
PAT also presented proposals related to academic freedom and processes for addressing concerns related to instructional materials or classroom discussions. The discussion centered on understanding the intent behind the proposals and how they might align with existing district policies and practices.
What Happens Next
The March 5 session focused on reviewing proposals and clarifying interests. The District will continue evaluating the operational and fiscal considerations associated with the proposals that were presented.
Additional bargaining sessions are scheduled in the coming weeks as both teams continue discussions.
PPS will continue working through the bargaining process with PAT and will provide updates to staff, families, and the community as negotiations move forward.
PPS Bargaining Communication
PPS–PFSP Bargaining Update for March 5, 2026
Dear PPS Staff, Families and Community,
Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Portland Federation of School Professionals (PFSP) met on March 5, 2026, for their first bargaining session of the current negotiations. The meeting took place at the PEC and included time for both parties to review proposals, ask clarifying questions, and discuss the financial context facing the district.
Financial Overview
During the session, the District shared a financial overview to provide context for the current budget environment. The presentation outlined the district’s financial outlook, including ongoing efforts to stabilize the budget and maintain core services for students and schools.
District leaders reviewed recent budget projections and discussed the difference between mandatory operational costs and areas where the District has more flexibility. The presentation also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration as PPS works to address financial challenges while supporting staff and students.
Contract Language Proposals
PFSP presented proposals related to contract language in several areas.
One proposal addressed lunch and rest periods. The proposal included clarifications to existing language to reflect current legal requirements and to ensure breaks occur at appropriate points during the workday. The proposal also included adjustments intended to reflect the variety of schedules used across schools.
PFSP also presented a proposal related to the employee evaluation process. The proposal seeks to align contract language with current practices and recent changes in state law related to employee discipline standards. The proposal also includes clarification about how performance improvement plans are used within the evaluation process.
The District asked clarifying questions about how these proposed changes would work in practice and how they align with current operational procedures.
What Happens Next
The March 5 session primarily focused on introductions, financial context, and initial review of proposals. Both parties will continue reviewing the proposals and discussing potential impacts in upcoming sessions.
Additional bargaining sessions are scheduled in the coming weeks, and discussions will continue as both teams work through proposals and identify areas for further dialogue.
PPS is committed to maintaining transparency during the bargaining process and will continue sharing updates with staff, families, and the community as discussions move forward.
PPS Bargaining Communications
PPS–PAT Bargaining Update for February 19, 2026
Dear PPS Staff, Families and Community,
Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) met on February 19 for their second bargaining session. The first session in this round of negotiations took place on January 29 and served as the formal kickoff to discussions.
The February 19 meeting focused on PAT proposals related to contract language governing leave provisions, transfer processes, and certain clarifications to bargaining unit definitions.
Leave Provisions
A significant portion of the session centered on proposed changes to educator leave. PAT presented proposals that would expand or adjust several leave categories, including sick leave, personal leave, bereavement leave, professional development leave, immigration and citizenship leave, and association leave.
Some proposals would increase the number of available days in certain categories, remove caps or usage limitations, or revise return-from-leave provisions. The District asked clarifying questions about how these changes would operate in practice and what fiscal or operational impacts may need to be evaluated.
Transfer and Staffing Processes
PAT also presented proposals related to transfer and assignment procedures. These proposals address internal hiring phases, resignation incentives, vacancy posting timelines, planning time for educators who are reassigned, seniority exception processes, timelines in the unassigned process, and potential strategies to support schools experiencing high turnover.
The District sought clarification on how these proposals could affect staffing workflows, school-level operations, and spring staffing processes.
What Happens Next
The February 19 session focused on review and clarification of proposals. The District will continue evaluating fiscal and operational considerations associated with the proposals presented. The next bargaining session is scheduled for March 5, 2026, at the Marshall Campus. Additional bargaining sessions are planned, and discussions will continue.
In the coming weeks, PPS will launch a dedicated PPS–PAT Bargaining webpage, which will serve as the primary source of information for staff, families, and community members. The page will include meeting summaries, proposal updates, and important timeline information to ensure transparency throughout the bargaining process.
PPS remains committed to good-faith bargaining and to keeping our community informed as negotiations move forward.
PPS Bargaining Communications
PPS–ATU and DCU Enter Mediation for February 13, 2026
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Dear PPS Staff, Families, and Community, Portland Public Schools is providing this update as part of our commitment to transparency during the collective bargaining process. The District and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) have agreed to enter mediation. The District Council of Unions (DCU) will also be entering mediation as part of ongoing negotiations. Mediation is a common and constructive step in the bargaining process. It involves a neutral third party who works with both sides to help move discussions forward and resolve remaining issues. Across Oregon, mediation is frequently successful in helping parties reach agreement. In fact, the vast majority of mediated public sector negotiations result in contracts being finalized without further escalation. Entering mediation does not mean a strike is imminent. Negotiations continue, and the District remains committed to reaching fair, fiscally responsible agreements that support employees while ensuring long-term stability for our schools and students. The District will continue bargaining with ATU on February 27. The next scheduled bargaining session with DCU is February 20, with additional sessions ongoing. To ensure staff, families, and community members have access to accurate and timely information, PPS is launching a centralized Bargaining Updates webpage. In the coming weeks, the site will include regular updates following bargaining sessions, the District’s guiding principles for negotiations, and links to information about each bargaining unit. We recognize that collective bargaining conversations are important to our community. PPS remains committed to engaging in good faith negotiations and continuing discussions with all bargaining partners. PPS Bargaining Communications Portland Public Schools |
Bargaining Calendar
Bargaining
SEIU Bargaining Session #3
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SEIU Local 503, OPEU
Bargaining
PFSP Bargaining Session #5
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PEC