Little Lake City School District and union reach tentative deal to end teachers strike

SANTE FE SPRINGS, Calif. (KABC) -- The Little Lake City School District and the union representing teachers have reached a tentative deal that will reopen classrooms and end a strike that lasted more than a week, officials said Wednesday.

Teachers will return to classrooms on Thursday, according to the Little Lake Education Association. Ratification will begin shortly after the tentative agreement is finalized.

"This agreement reflects meaningful progress and a renewed focus on what matters most: restoring stability for students, supporting our teachers, and getting educators back into classrooms as quickly as possible while maintaining the fiscal responsibility needed to protect the long-term stability of the District," the school district said in a statement.

Negotiations were stalled over demands for healthcare, smaller class sizes and special education support.

The strike began April 16 after 94% of union members voted to authorize a strike.

The district serves students in portions of Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk and a small part of Downey.

This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.