Akron teachers union, board come to tentative agreement

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - Negotiations between the Akron Board of Education and the teachers union came to a close Sunday night after a long weekend of negotiations.

Akron Education Association President Patricia Shipe told 19 News that Saturday’s negotiation meetings lasted 11 hours, and broke at 7:28 p.m.

The negotiation meeting resumed at noon on Sunday, and ended around 7:30 p.m.

Akron Public Schools stated both sides reconvened Sunday in the presence of a federal mediator, coming to a tentative agreement.

Shipe said she believes the contract is fair for all parties involved, but did not go into that details of the tentative agreement at this time.

She reported that teachers will be back in the classroom on Monday morning, and all parties are excited to see students back in the building.

All parties involved stated they will continue to work in partnership for the benefit of the students.

The Akron Education Association had been working without a contract since June of 2022.

The new agreement lasts three years, according to Akron Public Schools Board President N.J. Akbar.

“I’d like to personally thank all of our families, the Akron community, APS staff, and administrators who have supported our collective efforts to enable our students to continue in-person education,” said Akbar. “We appreciate your understanding, patience, and continued support of our district. "

He said that all parties believe this agreement is best for the district at this time, and allows for everyone to make a positive difference in the lives of students.

“There was never a question from this board that our teachers deserved more,” Akbar said. “We hold that same value.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

[ With strike deadline looming, leaders in Akron gather to help avert possible teachers’ strike ]

[ Akron Education Association issues a 10-day strike notice ]

[ Akron community members come together to encourage teacher negotiations ]

Copyright 2023 WOIO. All rights reserved.