VANCOUVER, Wash. — Classified staff at Vancouver Public Schools will vote next Thursday on whether to authorize a strike, as they push for a new contract that would guarantee better conditions in the district.

The Vancouver Association of Educational Support Professionals represents more than 800 paraeducators, clerks, secretaries, technology support specialists, Braillists and American Sign Language interpreters. They've been negotiating with administrators since April, VAESP said, and their latest contract expired Aug. 31.

"While the District and VAESP have moved closer on some issues, VAESP is still advocating for what is needed to attract and retain staff and provide a safe student-centered learning environment," the union said in a statement. "They also remain divided over managemen

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