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Teachers strike averted in East Palestine

EAST PALESTINE — It appears a teachers strike has been averted in East Palestine.

The East Palestine school board and the East Palestine Education Association (EPEA) announced Friday evening a tentative agreement had been reached on “all outstanding issues,” according to a statement released by schools Superintendent James Rook. Details of the agreement are not being released until the union members have reviewed it.

“The EPEA has withdrawn its Notice of Intent to Strike and will be voting on the tentative agreement on a date to be determined. The board will not be releasing details until the agreement is ratified by both parties,” Rook said.

The contract between the EPEA and the district expired on June 30 and negotiations have been ongoing since May 1. A federal mediator was called to assist in the process beginning July 18 but no resolution was reached. The next bargaining session had been set for Oct. 16 after the EPEA’s intent to strike notice gave the district until Oct. 21 to sign a contract.

In a previous press release, Rook said the EPEA started negotiations by asking for a 14% increase on the base salary, as well as between $500 and $2,000 paid to each teacher each year based on how long an educator has taught in the district. The teachers were also asking for no increase to their current $250 insurance deductible and that the school year be shortened by five work days.

EPEA Spokesperson third-grade teacher Carrie Cope expressed gratitude for the community’s support during the negotiations.

“We are incredibly thankful for the overwhelming support we have received from our community throughout this long and difficult process,” Cope said. “Your encouragement and belief in our mission to maintain and improve the quality of education for our students have been invaluable. This agreement reflects not only our dedication but also the collective strength of our community.

“We will be following our union’s constitution and bylaws as efficiently as possible to get this agreement in front of our members so that they can review and discuss it, and then vote on ratification.”

khowell@mojonews.com

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