Seattle schools, teachers reach contract agreement

SEATTLE (AP) – Seattle Public Schools and its teachers union have reached a tentative contract agreement to avoid a potential strike at the start of the school year.

The sides announced late Friday night the deal had been reached. No terms were immediately disclosed.

Members of the Seattle Education Association are due to vote on the proposed contract on Sept. 8. Meanwhile, classes will begin as scheduled on Wednesday.

Educators in Seattle – the state’s largest school district – voted Tuesday to authorize a strike. The start of school has been delayed for tens of thousands of students in Washington after teachers and districts failed to reach contract agreements, mostly over salaries.

Teachers in seven southwest Washington school districts went on strike last week, according to the Washington Education Association, which represents state teachers.