EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. -- School is back in session in East Stroudsburg Area.
Students and teachers returned to the classrooms Wednesday morning after a seven-day teacher strike.
Last week, teachers hit the picket lines to protest their lack of a contract. The last one expired in 2016.
“I was worried about the teachers and the parents during the strike. It was just pretty hectic at first,” said East Stroudsburg Area Senior High South student Emi Mota.
Then this week, teachers ratified a new agreement and the school board approved it with a unanimous vote.
“It feels great to be back. As I think everyone knows at this point, I'm also president of East Stroudsburg Education Association, so we're thrilled to be back where we belong, missed these kids so much,” said Ann Catrillo.
While some may have enjoyed the week off from school, other students and teachers said they are glad to be back in class.
"It feels really good to be back, be back in the routine,” said student Aryana Dixon.
"Very glad to be back now, very glad to get this year going again,” said Craig Long, a teacher in the district.
The district and union were at odds over healthcare and salaries. Union leaders say they made concessions and this Monday, ratified an agreement, which the school board unanimously approved that night.
The new contract goes through 2021.