We're learning more about a tentative deals struck between Minneapolis Public Schools and the teachers union.
Members of the teachers union say the talks started moving forward last Wednesday. That was the first day that mediators were not involved in negotiations.
"That's when we started cookin' with gas, y'all," said Union president Marcia Howard. "That's when we started getting things done. I am exhausted and yet I'm invigorated by what we have seen in this building in the last week."
The next scheduled mediated talks would have been Monday, the day before teachers planned to go on strike.
"Collaboration won out over confrontation," said MSP school board president Collin Beachy.
The two-year pact includes smaller class sizes, manageable caseloads for special education, and 2% pay raises for teachers in both years.
"Together we've crafted an agreement that values our educators, protects our students, and respects the financial future of our district," Beachy explains.
Union members will vote for ratification on Thursday and Friday.
The deal covers three different contracts for teachers, educational support professionals, and adult educators in the district.