The Highlands School Board is moving to ensure labor peace with the district’s teachers union for the rest of the decade.

The board has unanimously approved a tentative “early bird” contract with the Highlands Education Association, the district’s teachers union.

“We are thrilled that this early bird has an agreement,” board President Deb Lehew said.

HEA President Nicole Dickerson said the teachers also have approved the tentative agreement.

That leaves the two sides to work out contract details before voting on final ratification.

Lehew said the board is hoping to make that vote at its Dec. 2 reorganization meeting.

Lehew and Dickerson declined to provide details of the tentative agreement since there are details and language that still need to be worked out.

However, Dickerson said the contract’s term is for five years, which will allow it to run through 2030. The current teachers’ contract expires June 30 .

“It does provide for full benefits and salaries for our members, but it also respects the board’s financial position and goals for the future,” Dickerson said.

Superintendent Monique Mawhinney thanked the HEA leadership for its efforts.

“It was a pleasure working with you,” Mawhinney said.

Dickerson thanked Mawhinney and the school board for their work in the negotiations.

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