FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Parties reach tentative agreement for elementary teachers
May 31, 2005, Belleville, Ontario—The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario – Hastings-Prince Edward Local, are very pleased to announce that a tentative agreement has been reached for the period September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2008.

The tentative agreement reflects the key components of the provincial framework, and covers monetary and workload issues with special emphasis on the teacher preparation time issue.

“News of the tentative agreement is indeed welcomed by the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. We are hopeful the agreement will be ratified by both parties so our teachers can continue to focus on educating students in our communities,” remarks Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board.

The parties worked through negotiations ensuring that the focus on student needs from a supervision and safety standpoint were always maintained.

“The provincial takeover team will be unanimously recommending acceptance to the membership as we see this as a realistic agreement to ensure stability and peace through 2008,” states Dave Patterson, President of the Local.

Ratification is expected to be completed next week, with the Board voting at a special meeting on June 6th, and the teachers voting at a meeting on June 7th.

For information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966-1170, or 1 800 267-4350, ext. 2354