Details of accord that ended four-day strike to be released after board ratifies pact

BURLINGTON – The members of the Burlington Education Association Wednesday overwhelmingly ratified a contract agreement that ended a four-day strike. Details of the accord will be released after the school board takes its ratification vote.

Fran Brock, a Burlington High School history teacher who serves as president of the 400-member Burlington Education Association, made the following statement:
“Today I am happy to announce that my fellow members and I just voted to ratify a contract. On behalf of Burlington’s teachers, I say thank you citizens of Burlington. I know the teachers’ strike was stressful and all were anxious. But sometimes it takes a radical action to move us all forward. 

“I also want to target my thanks to the hundreds of people who helped: the folks who made sure there was water and lots and lots of apples for the teachers; the students who offered babysitting to parents who needed child care; the neighbors who let teachers use their bathrooms; and the army of community members who made sure their voices were heard by both school board members and the teachers.
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“When I woke up this morning, I was happy to be returning to my classroom, as were all of the city’s teachers. I am hopeful that this crisis will bring about change that encourages respectful collaboration among teachers, administrators and parents.

“Teachers chose their profession because they know they can make a difference; they can help nurture tomorrow’s fully engaged citizens. Again, on behalf of the city’s teachers, be assured that we will be there for your children.”