MAYS LANDING- The sign outside Oakcrest High School proudly displayed the start date for another school year. However, that date could have changed.

"Its certainly important that we get a deal out today before the first day of school," said Education Association President Madeline Avery. The possible threat of a teacher and staffing strike loomed over the greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District.

"Our association has given us the go ahead to do anything that we deem necessary to get a contract which also includes a work stoppage," said Avery.

The Education Association even set up a crisis center on the White Horse Pike if a stoppage was to take place. They say district workers have been without a contract for two years and are looking for a reasonable deal.

"I am looking for a fair settlement in light of the economic situation and are looking to be treated fairly," said Avery.

With that goal in mind and the impact on thousands of students the 400 member union and school board finally reached a tentative agreement.

"It's been a very long process, maybe too long," said Superintendent Steve Ciccariello. "We did the best we could. We worked hard, we continued for over a year to negotiate and hopefully this is the end of it today," said School Board Vice President Margaret Guenther.

The three-year contract now has to receive union and school board approval. Officials say it could be set at the end of the month but now all are pleased that students will be filing into schools as planned.

"We're happy that we can come back to work and do what were supposed to do which is teach," said Avery.

"School is open. We're very, very happy about that. Teachers will be reporting for work as scheduled and were looking forward for the successful start of another school year," said Ciccariello.