After an intense 24-hour negotiation session, the bargaining teams from Portland Public Schools and the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) have reportedly reached a tentative agreement to end the ongoing teachers strike. However, a key issue regarding the formation and operation of class size committees remains unresolved.

According to the union, both parties came to a consensus early on Monday morning. The PAT also claimed that the school board unanimously rejected the recommended deal, which they believed was an unnecessary prolongation of the strike and highlighted the district's leadership's inability to govern Oregon's largest school district.

Contrary to the union's account, board Chair Gary Hollands stated that there was no tentative agreement and the board did not reject the entire proposal. The primary point of contention revolves around the issue of class size limits.

While the district informed the public that they have reached agreement on 17 articles related to planning time, special education, and mental health supports since Thursday, there are still three articles and two appendices that require tentative agreement.

In a press conference on Monday morning, Hollands explained that the bargaining team presented a conceptual proposal to three board members for consideration. However, disagreements arose regarding the proposed functioning of the class size committees and the level of parental involvement.

The board's concern centered on potential access to private student information by parents involved in the committees. Board member Julia Brim-Edwards provided an example, stating that when a student joins a third-grade class at maximum capacity, the committee would decide whether the student should be allowed to enroll. The committee's potential remedies included adding an educational assistant or teacher, or allowing the child to join the class anyway. The board members' reluctance stemmed from the fear that parents might have access to sensitive information and make decisions regarding other people's children.

Brim-Edwards emphasized that the responsibility of making such decisions should fall to the principal rather than the parents. The board supports a committee composed of the principal, another administrator, and two teachers.

Meanwhile, the PAT proposed that the class size committees include two parents or guardians as voting members, with the agreement of the principal and PAT building representative. However, the proposal also acknowledged that lack of parent involvement would not deter the committee from developing recommendations.

PAT leaders have declared that the strike will continue until the board accepts the deal agreed upon by the bargaining teams.

Once a tentative agreement is reached, the board will vote to approve it, and union members will need to ratify it. Both parties must also finalize a "return to work" agreement to address the logistical aspects of resuming classes.

Board member Brim-Edwards expressed optimism that a deal will be reached soon, stressing that it would benefit teachers, parents, and students alike. The earliest possible date for students to return is Monday, November 27th.

As the situation unfolds, both sides remain engaged in discussions to resolve the remaining issues and bring an end to the strike, allowing students to return to their classrooms and resume their education.