Talks between the Snoqualmie Valley School District and the local teachers’ union continued the week leading up to the scheduled first day of school, Wednesday, Sept. 3, when teachers will strike if they do not have a ratified contract.

Union members voted on June 11 to authorize the strike.

Art Galloway, union president, said negotiators had almost resolved issues related to the district’s contribution toward health care, but “we still have a ways to go on compensation and workload” contract provisions.

“Many of the items presented by the union’s bargaining team have been resolved and negotiations continue around issues related to workload, compensation, recognition of employment longevity, and personal leave,” according to the district’s Web site.

Galloway said members of the union, the Snoqualmie Education Association, were “organizing activities” to get “ready to do what we need to do next week,” but also said “we remain hopeful.”

The union planned a “Show of Support” action for Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 26 at the school district office while negotiations continued. The following day, a parking lot rally at Twin Falls Middle School was scheduled to be held just before the district’s back-to-school kickoff, scheduled for 7:30 a.m. at the school. A general membership union meeting was planned to follow the rally. Members were to “consider a tentative agreement or to decide on next steps,” according to the SEA Web site.