The Reynoldsburg Education Association (REA) announced today that teachers have approved a tentative agreement with the school board.

The agreement would set goals for class sizes at 25 for grades K-4, and 32 for 5-8, and 35 for grades 9-12, and provide a framework for dealing largest sizes if those limits are met.

“The push for smaller class sizes has been the major point of concern for teachers, students, and parents, and this agreement is a step in the right direction,” said REA Spokesperson Kathy Evans in a statement released to the press. “We’re pleased that we were able to make progress here, but we will continue to work for smaller class sizes, particularly in the upper grades.”

The agreement also continues employer-provided health insurance with some teacher-paid premiums, it provides for traditional step increases for teachers with the inclusion of some additional incentives and bonuses, it improves teacher-directed planning time and includes a “no reprisal” provision preventing the school district and board from retaliating against students and teachers involved in the strike.

“We are very happy to have the strike behind us, so we can return our focus where it belongs – on teaching our students,” Evans said. “This agreement, while not perfect, is the best agreement possible with this Board of Education and current leadership. We’re grateful for what our members sacrificed to make this happen, and thankful for the amazing level of support from parents and community members. It took all of us working together to make this agreement possible. We’re excited to get back to our students.”