AKRON, Ohio — It went down to the wire on Sunday evening, but a "tentative agreement" was reached on a deal between the Akron Board of Education and Akron Education Association to avoid a strike.
The Akron Public Schools' Board of Education unanimously voted to ratify the deal during their meeting on Monday evening. The agreement must also be approved by the members of the teachers' union, who are set to vote Tuesday. An APS spokesperson says the agreement is for three years.
AEA President Pat Shipe says the work truly starts now, adding, "You can come to an agreement, you can memorialize language in a contract, but there needs to be a lot of action taken."
Shipe says that action includes finding immediate solutions to address violence in buildings in the short term, while addressing long-term solutions surrounding student behavior. Safety was a key point in the negotiations.
"We got everything we wanted surrounding teacher assault and educator assault," Shipe said. "We believe that will make out teachers, our custodians, secretaries, bus drivers, and the other students safer in our buildings."
School safety is also top of mind for community members, including Shannon Bolinger, who has kids in the Akron Public Schools district.
"I ask our district and our administration: What are they actually going to do to implement better safety policies?" she told 3News. "We need to prevent where we can, support where we need to, and supply resources to everybody. Especially our teachers."
Statement from Superintendent Christine Fowler Mack:
"I am pleased to report that we have reached a tentative agreement with leaders of the Akron Education Association (AEA), so our students can report to school Monday in person, as usual.
"Because of the hard work and commitment of both sides, our students will experience no interruption in their classroom experience.
"To our families, community, staff, and administrators who have supported our joint efforts toward this resolution, we appreciate you."
Statement from Akron School Board President Dr. N.J. Akbar:
"I am pleased to report that the Akron Board of Education has reached a tentative agreement with leaders of the Akron Education Association (AEA), so our students can report to school tomorrow.
"While I cannot share details yet, we want everyone in Akron Public Schools and the Akron community to know that we have reached this agreement in the best interest of our students and in honor and recognition of the dedication our teachers share in achieving increased student outcomes. There was never a question from this board that our teachers deserved more – we hold that same value.
"We believe this agreement is best for our district at this time and will require us to focus on the future, together. We are all APS and together, we can and will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our young scholars.
"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. We appreciate your understanding, patience, and continued support of our district."
Statement from Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan:
"I would like to thank both the Akron Education Association and the Akron Public Schools administration for staying committed to reaching an agreement and working diligently through the weekend to avoid a strike. This is the best outcome for Akron's families and children and I applaud everyone involved for reaching a resolution."