CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Chicago Public School teachers overwhelmingly approved their new contract this week. Of the entire union membership, 79 percent voted in favor of the new deal.
Union officials said it was the highest approval rating in it's history.
Chicago Board of Education President David Vitale said he's pleased that teachers ratified a new contract.
The school board is expected to approve the contract at its Oct. 17 meeting.
Vitale said the board and union can send "an incredibly important message" to students that opposing sides can find common ground. He also said the board supports teachers' work.
The three-year contract includes a new teacher evaluation system and better opportunities for teachers to keep their jobs if their schools closed.
It also includes an agreement on how to implement a longer school day.
Teachers walked off the job Sept. 10, idling about 350,000 students for seven days.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
