Portland Teachers and Schools Reach Tentative Agreement, Students to Return to Classroom

Portland Public Schools and the Portland Association of Teachers have reached a tentative agreement, ending the month-long strike and allowing 43,000 students to return to school on Monday. The final sticking point of additional raises for teachers was resolved in favor of the union. The agreement includes more mental health supports for students and increased planning time for educators. The strike canceled 11 days of school, and the missed days will be made up by extending the school year and converting scheduled teacher work days and holidays into teaching days. The proposed contract still needs to be ratified by the school board and the union.