A new deal has been reached between teachers of Englefeld School and the Englefeld Protestant Separate School Division.

The new Local Implementation and Negotiation Committee agreement was officially signed on Wednesday after the new deal was ratified on September 26.

"We are grateful that this agreement came together so quickly, and that these changes will benefit our staff, board, and students moving forward," explained EPSSD Board Chair Deanna Miskolczi.

The new agreement is in effect from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, and replaces the previous agreement which expired on June 30, 2017.

Highlights of the new contract include improved access to professional development, fewer restrictions on requesting personal days, and a higher degree of clarity in the agreement document's language.

"I found that our board was very responsive to our requests and brought back meaningful discussions as well as an offer that showed that they value the work of the teachers in their school," added Teacher Jeff Burton.

Negotiating parties met just two times before finalizing the agreement.

The 2017-18 school year is the last year prior to the EPSSD disbanding. Englefeld School will join the Horizon School Division for the 2018-19 year.