YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Youngstown Education Association (YEA) will be meeting with the Youngstown Board of Education on Thursday, May 4 to begin discussing contract negotiations.

The current YEA contract expires in a little over a month on June 30. YEA Spokesman, Jim Courim says this is the first time the Association has bargained a contract since the Board regained the authority to govern Youngstown Schools.

"This is exciting in that the two parties have the opportunity to collaborate purely at the local level. It is a great chance to pave the way for big things for Youngstown's students and the Youngstown community," Courim said.

Courim says if both parties keep Youngstown's students as their primary focus, they should be able to bargain a strong contract well before the June 30 deadline.