A representative for teachers in the Seneca Valley School District may have summed up the feelings of most parents last Thursday after the educators voted overwhelmingly to accept an arbitrator's report, ending a contract dispute that had led to a teachers strike in the fall.

"People in Seneca Valley can now breathe a sigh of relief," said Butch Santicola, a Pennsylvania State Education Association representative.

The teachers voted 499-9 to accept the arbitrator's recommendation after a two-hour meeting last Thursday.

The school board had approved the recommendation April 7, with six members voting in favor, Ken Brennan and Tom Roth opposed, and Anthony Evans absent.

The new five-year contract calls for wage increases of 3.9 percent in the first and second years, 4.3 percent in the third year and 4.7 percent in the fourth and fifth years.

The school board's final salary offer had been 4 percent across the board. The teachers had sought a little more than 6 percent.

The new contract also calls for teacher contributions toward healthcare coverage starting in the second year of the pact. The contributions would be $10 per pay check per employee in the second year, $15 in the third and fourth years, and $20 in the final year. The teachers are paid every two weeks.

The nonbinding arbitration was mandatory as a result of the teachers strike, which ended Nov. 16. Had the teachers failed to approve the report, negotiations could have continued or the teachers could have gone on strike again.

The school year has been extended until June 27 because of the strike.

Mr. Santicola said the teachers, who had been without a contract since June 2006, were satisfied overall.

"They're concerned it didn't meet all their goals, but they are pleased with the effort of both teams in reaching an agreement," he said.

"The board is certainly pleased that this process has been completed," said school board President Dean Berkebile. "I think that everyone looks forward to returning to the prime directive of educating the students of the district."

Shari L. Berg is a freelance writer.