GETAWAY – Teachers at Collins Career Center ratified a contract in the 11th hour.

Wednesday, February 27, 2002

GETAWAY – Teachers at Collins Career Center ratified a contract in the 11th hour.

On Tuesday afternoon, teachers signed a contract with the board of education, keeping them off the picket line and in the classroom. The teachers’ association met after classes Tuesday evening and voted to rescind their strike vote.

According to Harold Henderson, local union president, the union’s negotiations team recommended the membership accept the board’s final offer after a Sunday afternoon meeting.

Henderson said teachers were concerned about the potential negative impact a strike would have on this year’s sophomores who may be considering coming to the school.

"We would have liked to have had a stronger contract," Henderson said, "We do feel some gains were made, but our first concern is the students."

Last night, teachers and administrators played host to sophomores and their parents. Henderson said by settling the strike, school faculty could "meet with parents with more certainty. We could let them know that we’ll be here for their children."

The fate of current students, Henderson said, was also a factor in settling the contract dispute without going to a strike.

"We do not want to do anything to hinder our students’ education, or keep them from receiving their certificates," he said.

Messages were left for Perry Walls, the school’s superintendent, Wednesday morning, but calls were not immediately returned.