INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- After eight weeks on the picket line, Strongsville teachers reached a tentative agreement Friday night that would return them to the classroom and end a divisive chapter in the southwest suburb.

Representatives for the striking teachers and school board reached a tentative deal before a federal mediator, after meeting for seven hours Friday.

John Krupinski, superintendent of the 6,200-student district, and teachers' union president Tracy Linscott said they could not discuss details before teachers vote on it, which is expected Saturday.

"Obviously, it's a big step for our district and our community," Krupinksi said. "If the tentative agreement is ratified, we come together. We have much work to do, and we'll do it together."

Krupinski said it will be time "to let the healing process begin."

Linscott, president of the Strongsville Education Association, said 385 members had not yet been briefed on details. But she sounded optimistic that the agreement would be ratified.

"It's awesome...I'm going back to work," she said. "We've reached a tentative agreement, and I couldn't be happier."

Both the district and union had previously agreed not to increase the pay scale for teachers, but negotiations failed over how to handle so-called "step" raises within that scale for years of experience or added education earned by the teacher.

Other points of disagreement dealt with class sizes and teacher work loads. The union also wanted a guarantee that no action be taken against teachers, students or parents of students for participating in the strike.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service said in a statement that besides the tentative contract, both sides "affirmed their joint commitment to move forward in a positive atmosphere, fully focused on creating a successful learning environment for the students, parents and community of Strongsville."