After five months of negotiations, the Akron school board and the Akron Education Association teachers’ union tentatively agreed on a new three-year contract that would end on June 30, 2028.
The agreement was finalized July 15, according to a joint news release issued by the union and APS.
This is in stark contrast to contract negotiations in 2023, in which the school district narrowly averted a teachers’ strike with a last-minute deal.
“This development reflects the ongoing commitment of both the Association and the Board to support Akron’s students, families, and community through a stable, future-focused agreement that honors the dedication of our educators while addressing the evolving needs of the school system,” AEA President Pat Shipe said in the news release.
Union members will vote on the contract during a ratification meeting scheduled July 24, while the Akron school board will review the proposed contract and vote on it at an upcoming meeting.
“This tentative agreement is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together with a shared vision for student success,” APS Superintendent Mary Outley said in the news release.
Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @bryce_buyakie.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Education Association, APS reach tentative agreement for 3-year union contract
Reporting by Bryce Buyakie, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
