Kent teachers defy court order, still on strike

KENT — Kent teachers were supposed to be in school today, preparing for the first day of class Wednesday.

Instead, the striking teachers are still on the picket line in defiance of a court order.

Kent Education Association spokesman Dale Folkerts said 74 percent of union members voted Monday night not to return to work until they have a ratified contract. The teachers say they’re staying out to demand smaller class sizes.

Talks with the Kent School District continued overnight. The district says the King County Superior Court judge will decide on any sanctions the union might face for defying an injunction.

The district is the fourth-largest in Washington with more that 26,000 students and 1,700 teachers at 40 schools in Kent.