Murphysboro students and teachers will be back in the classroom Thursday, as a tentative deal was announced late Wednesday night between the teachers' union and District 186.Both the Murphysboro Education Association and Murphysboro District 186 announced the agreement via social media Wednesday night. No details of the contract are being released - both the MEA and Board of Education must vote to approve it.
Teachers spent five days on the picket lines, arguing for higher pay. The administration said it was trying, but the demands would have meant deficit spending. A federal mediator spent several sessions with the two sides, working toward a middle ground.