Update Wednesday, Aug. 13:

The Salem-Keizer School Board on Tuesday unanimously approved a new two-year contract for the district’s teachers, marking the first time in nearly three years that the district hasn’t been in labor negotiations.

Teacher union leaders praised the district for working more efficiently and collaboratively than last year, when teachers nearly went on strike amid contentious negotiations.

“I see lots of promise in our future and I hope that you do as well,” union President Marale Ellis said during the board meeting.

The board also voted 4-3 to nominate Karina Guzmán Ortiz to the Oregon School Board Association legislative policy committee. School board members Cynthia Richardson, Lisa Harnisch, Guzmán Ortiz and Mel Fuller voted for Guzmán Ortiz. The remaining thr

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