CHENEY, Wash. — The Cheney Education Association said their schools have struggled to retain teachers.
The EA attributes this, partly, to low wages and difficult working conditions.
With the start of school less than two weeks away, teachers and community members are advocating for better pay, small class sizes and improved resources.
On August 14, teachers, students and parents gathered outside Cheney Middle School to support the district’s educators.
“I came out today because my heart is really with the Cheney teachers. I hope they can set this aside and focus on what they came into the profession to do,” said Ryan Grant, a teacher from Medical Lake.
Grant, who faced a similar situation two years ago, said schools in the West Plains area struggle to compete with the Spokane and Spokane Valley School Districts.
The Cheney EA hopes the contract they are fighting for will help retain and recruit …