The Real Story: Bargaining Progress, Facts, and Future Steps

As bargaining discussions continue between Springfield Public Schools and The Springfield Education Association, we recognize there will be many questions, and at times, conflicting information, about the current situation. 

This update is designed to share accurate, factual information about the process and progress, the key details that remain, and next steps toward reaching a fair and sustainable agreement. 

As always, our goal is to ensure staff, families, and the community have a clear and transparent view of the process so we can support student success while maintaining financial stability for our schools. 
 

The Latest Update
Springfield Public Schools and the Springfield Education Association (SEA) began bargaining in spring 2025 for a new contract effective July 1, 2025.

The two teams have met nine times since March 19, most recently on November 6, and have reached agreement on 15 articles, reflecting steady progress and collaboration.

The next mediator-led bargaining session is scheduled for December 11.
 

Balanced Budget
The SPS Board of Directors adopted a balanced budget for 2025–26 that assumed a zero-percent COLA for all staff, to avoid pre-determining outcomes through bargaining. SPS administrators shared this context throughout the budget process.

The other two groups representing staff, Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) and Springfield Association of Administrators and Confidentials. (SAAC) reached agreements on COLAs and Insurance. 

• OSEA - 4.15% COLA and $25/year cap on insurance
• SAAC - 2.7% COLA and $25/year cap on insurance

Both groups then reduced positions for the 2025-26 school year to balance the budget. 

The SEA agreement will also have to be reconciled in the 2025-26 budget once agreed upon. This will be done by reducing licensed positions. 

The District remains committed to financial stewardship while ensuring that staffing and compensation decisions align with available resources.
 

Bargaining Timeline
SPS began the bargaining process early in 2025 with the shared goal of reaching a fair and sustainable agreement before the conclusion of the 2024–25 school year. However, initial meetings were delayed. Additional opportunities presented by SPS to meet over the summer did not occur. As a result, negotiations extended into the new school year.

These delays have postponed key discussions around compensation and working conditions and limited the District’s ability to provide financial clarity for staff heading into the current year. The longer bargaining continues, the greater the potential financial impact, as retroactive pay back to July 1 could require the District to redirect resources from staffing and classroom programs to cover those costs.

Because of the extended timeline and limited progress during open bargaining, where SEA rarely revised a counterproposal or reacted to a counterproposal during a meeting, the District requested to enter mediation. Mediation provides a structured setting for both teams to work with a neutral third party in hopes of reaching a timely and balanced agreement.

The District remains committed to bargaining in good faith, maintaining transparency with staff and the community, and ensuring that any agreement is both financially responsible and supportive of student learning.
 

State of Oregon K-12 Funding
Across Oregon, school districts are navigating a challenging financial landscape. Even with record K-12 funding allocations from the state, districts face budget shortfalls due to:

• Declining student enrollment.
• Rising costs (including PERS, health insurance, and inflation).
• The expiration of one-time federal relief funds.

As a result, districts statewide are preparing for deep budget reductions in the 2026–27 school year. These pressures make it increasingly important for all districts, including SPS, to approach bargaining with a focus on long-term stability, student outcomes, and responsible financial planning.
 

SPS Historical Budgeting Decisions
Springfield Public Schools consistently focuses on being financially responsible and sustainable when managing district resources. During the pandemic, SPS made strategic choices to use one-time federal relief funds for one-time expenses, like upgrading HVAC systems across all schools to improve learning environments and air quality.

Other districts used temporary funds to pay for ongoing payroll and staffing costs, which created financial challenges once the funding ended. By contrast, SPS’s approach has helped the district stay financially stable, avoid sudden cuts, and continue protecting classrooms and student programs as budgets tighten statewide.
 

Moving Forward
SPS values the dedication and professionalism of all staff who serve every student, every day. 

The two sides are scheduled to meet again on December 11 and will look to progress towards an agreement. 

The District’s ongoing efforts in bargaining, budgeting, and planning are guided by a single priority - to sustain high-quality learning experiences for students while protecting the fiscal health of Springfield’s schools.