Students in Newton, Massachusetts, have returned to class for the first time in more than two weeks after a tentative settlement ended a teachers' strike.
WCVB-TV reports that nearly 98% of teachers voted Sunday night to ratify their new contract with the district. Negotiators reached a deal Friday.
The Newton School Committee still needs to approve the contract, which is expected to happen Wednesday.
Newton has about 12,000 students in 22 schools.
The tentative agreement includes step cost-of-living increases, starting at 2.5% this year, a 60-day parental leave policy on top of 15 days of family leave, and salary increases for aides and behavioral therapists.
If approved, the new contract would go into effect on Sept. 1.
The Newton Teachers Association began its strike on Jan. 19. Educators have been working without a contract since the end of August.
