District and SEA enter mediation to reach final agreement, 12 articles solved

Springfield Public Schools (SPS) and the Springfield Education Association (SEA) started bargaining for a new contract on April 8, 2025. The two groups have worked hard to find common ground and have reached tentative agreements on 12 articles, reflecting progress and collaboration.

At the same time, several significant issues remain unresolved, and face-to-face negotiations have not moved quickly enough to bring closure. The 150-day threshold was reached last week, and under Oregon law, either party may now request mediation. SPS has chosen to take this step out of a sense of urgency to reach a settlement.

Teachers and staff deserve clarity and stability. A timely resolution benefits not only employees, but also the students and families who depend on the district to create the conditions for a successful school environment and the delivery of a high-quality education.

Mediation is a standard step in the bargaining process. By adding a neutral third party, SPS hopes to accelerate discussions, sharpen focus on the outstanding issues, and move toward a fair and sustainable agreement.

Once a mediator is assigned, the District and SEA will schedule sessions with the goal of reaching agreement. Oregon law provides that, after at least 15 days of mediation, either party has the option of declaring an impasse. However, this is not a required step at that point, and mediation can continue beyond 15 days if both parties agree it is productive. Many districts and unions remain in mediation for several weeks if progress is being made, and SPS is committed to using this process to reach a fair and timely settlement.

The district has regularly provided links to all bargaining sessions and supporting documents online and will continue to share that information. The district has provided additional information to frequently asked questions.