Teachers in the East Palestine School District are working under a new contract.

According to a news release from the East Palestine Education Association, the Board of Education on Monday voted to officially accept the pact.

The teacher’s previous contract expired at the end of June and the union issued an intent to strike notice.  A tentative agreement was reached on October 11 and ratified by members after six months of sometimes contentious negotiations.

The teacher’s union says the contract will benefit both teachers and students.

Mimi Herman, President of the EPEA, thanked the community as well as Superintendent James Rock for what Herman said was “his dedication in achieving a fair contract.”