Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 9, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke’s Statement on Marysville Teachers’ Strike

Gov. Gary Locke today issued the following statement on his meetings with both sides in the Marysville teachers’ strike:

“I told both sides that this strike has gone on too long. It’s time to put the students first and get them, and the teachers, back into the classroom.

“It is unacceptable that this strike has continued for so long – now a state record 38 days. It is also unacceptable that neither side has shown a sense of urgency to resolve the strike.

“It is clear that the traditional mediation process is not working in this case. I took action because we all have a role – indeed a responsibility – to help get the children of Marysville back to school.

“It is not my role to negotiate a settlement. The teachers and the school board must decide these matters. But while they continue to try to resolve their issues, it’s important that Marysville students are allowed back to school.

“I am calling on the administration and teachers to open school on Monday – agreement or not. They can continue to work out the details of a compromise, but we must get Marysville students back in the classrooms where they belong.”

Locke summoned both sides to meet with him separately in his office in Olympia to urge them to resolve the strike and get students back to class as quickly as possible.

The governor met with Marysville School Superintendent Dr. Linda Whitehead and members of the Marysville School Board last night. He met with the executive committee of the Marysville Education Association earlier today.

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