FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Parties reach tentative agreement for secondary teachers
May 19, 2005, Belleville, Ontario—The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is very pleased to announce that a it has reached a tentative agreement has been reached with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) District 29 for the period September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2008.

The tentative agreement covers monetary and workload issues and the parties believe it meets the requirements of the provincial framework agreement recently developed through the Ministry of Education.

“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. “Even more, the agreement would mean students who are in Grade 9 now will be able to complete the required four years of secondary school in an atmosphere of peace and stability,” she adds.

Both parties worked through negotiations with a focus on student needs the needs of students in mindfrom both a supervision and safety standpoint, as well as with respect to class sizes.

Ratification votes are expected to be completed by Friday, May 27th.

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