ARLINGTON – Arlington Education Association teachers Tuesday night ratified a one-year contract that enabled the first day of class to start on time today and avert a potential strike.

“Both teams worked diligently to reach this agreement,” said APS Superintendent Chrys Sweeting. “We are excited for the new school year to start.”

The teachers union voted overwhelmingly to ratify the contract, AEA president Jason Klein said.

“We negotiated a fair contract with the district that focuses on what students need to be successful. This includes overload relief in K-3 and Special Education, as well as competitive pay for teachers,” he said. “We have a wonderful community and appreciate their support. We are looking forward to welcoming the students for the start of the school year.

The contract still needs approval from the school board, which will take up the matter at its next meeting on Sept. 11.

In all, 92 percent of union members voted last week to authorize a strike if an agreement wasn’t reached, but teachers proceeded with preparing classroom for the opening day of school while talks continued.

Klein said AEA’s focus was on competitive pay and smaller class sizes.