Tentative Agreement Reached Between Heights Schools, Teachers

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — A tentative contract agreement was reached between the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools and the Heights Teachers Union on Wednesday.

The two sides negotiated through Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning to strike a deal. As teachers arrived at picket lines outside Heights High and the Board of Education offices, the district and union representatives were close to finishing their agreement.

While picket lines were formed Wednesday, the tentative contract should avert further striking by the teachers, the district said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

"Above all else, we are relieved that our teachers will be exactly where they’re needed - with their students," union and district leaders said in a joint statement.

The contract's status as tentative means terms have been agreed upon but the contract is not yet ratified. Union leaders will need membership to vote on ratification and the district will need Board of Education approval on the deal.

"We will continue to keep the community and families informed as we move forward with this process. We will move forward as a united front against unfair EdChoice voucher laws and as proponents of fair school funding," the two sides said.