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PITTSTON — The Pittston Area Federation of Teachers approved a new contract covering teachers and other school district staff Wednesday.

The two-year deal covers nearly 300 teachers, nurses, counselors, librarians, secretaries, educational assistants, and health technicians. Under the agreement, the school district will set a goal of limiting class sizes to 29 students per class in kindergarten through eight grade and 32 students in high school.

The school board had approved the deal earlier this week.

All members of PAFT will also receive raises with no change in health care benefits. Meredith McGlynn, president of PAFT, said in a statement that both the union and district wanted to reach a mutual agreement that was fair to all parties, including students and the public.

“Members of both negotiating teams understand the challenges facing school districts and want to ensure that students have all of the resources and support that we can muster to succeed in school, in their careers, and in their lives,” said McGlynn.

The contract is retroactive to June 30, 2016, when the previous agreement expired. The new pact will expire June 30, 2018.

Whispers about a potential strike seemed to reach a crescendo in August, when residents addressed the school board with concerns about a work stoppage.

That same night, teachers came to the board meeting as a show of solidarity. At the time, McGlynn called it a “peaceful demonstration.”

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Times Leader Staff