Bellevue teachers OK new contract; schools to open Monday

September 14, 2008 10:06 pm
Bellevue Education Association president Michelle Miller tells teachers Sunday night that they have approved a new contract with the school district with a 95 percent yes vote.
Bellevue Education Association president Michelle Miller tells teachers Sunday night that they have approved a new contract with the school district with a 95 percent yes vote.

Bellevue teachers are headed back to the classroom after they approved a new contract with a 95 percent majority.

The vote came Sunday night after teachers heard details of the new contract during a 90-minute meeting at Sammamish High School.

Bellevue schools will open Monday.

Bellevue teachers went on strike on the opening day of classes Sept. 2 when they could not reach an agreement with the school district.

Sticking points were a district mandated curriculum, pay and health benefits.

The school district eventually relented on its requirement that teachers follow a set curriculum and now will let them deviate from daily lesson plans without first having to get approval.