HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Teachers and the school district have a tentative contract after months of negotiations. Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia wrote on his Facebook late Wednesday night that the Holyoke Teachers Association has a lot to be proud of.

He also wrote that, “It is not only the strongest agreement in Holyoke’s history but also stands as one of the best teacher contracts in the region, surpassing those of many surrounding communities.”

“Just for the record, we’re not planning to strike,” Said Holyoke Teacher Association President Nick Cream, “what would get us to a fair contract would be 14 sick days, 3 weeks of family leave, get licensure out of the pay scale. If we got those things, I think most people would be like, alright, let’s go.”

The contract now has to be ratified by the school committee, their first chance to do so is next Monday, May 11th.

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