Dixon School Board ratifies contract with teachers

DIXON, Ill. (AP) — The Dixon School Board has ratified a contract with teachers who went on strike earlier this year.

The Telegraph in Dixon reports (http://bit.ly/10mwiWn) that the board ratified the collective bargaining agreement on Wednesday. There was a standing ovation from an audience of mostly teachers afterward. About 170 teachers went on strike Feb. 28 in the northern Illinois city. Students missed nine days of school. Teachers ratified the contract on Tuesday.

The agreement lasts for four years and includes pay increases and higher health insurance payments. The teachers have been working without a contract since August.

A federal mediator helped with negotiations. A deal was reached on March 13.

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Information from: Dixon Telegraph, http://www.saukvalley.com