Strike

The ratified contract comes after the first-ever teachers' strike in Portland Public Schools, lasting over three weeks and canceling 11 days of school.

More than 40,000 students returned to classrooms Monday as Portland Public Schools’ first-ever teachers strike ended. Union members will vote on Tuesday whether to ratify the proposed contract.

Officials are optimistic they can reach a deal before the end of the year.

Portland Public Schools and the Portland Association of Teachers announced a tentative deal Sunday evening. Students are set to return Monday.

Portland Public Schools says they’ve already agreed to pay for an extra workday for teachers next year. Union says PPS wants them to work the day for free.

Portland Public Schools and the Portland Association of Teachers have indicated they are closer to a deal, but it’s still not clear if students will go back to campuses Monday.

According to a Portland Public Schools Board of Education statement, bargaining teams are expected to continue talks on Friday.

Portland Public Schools board chair Gary Hollands said on Facebook there may be more information shared by 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The ongoing teachers strike has been a constant mix of back and forth, hope and disappointment.

Some Portland students who have been looking to get ahead with college credit classes are now feeling like they’re falling behind.