Union, RI school district that fired all teachers reach deal to return staffers to jobs

Central Falls, RI, agrees to rehire fired teachers

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. — A Rhode Island school district that fired all its teachers has reached a deal with the union to return all the current staffers to their jobs.

The two sides said Sunday a so-called transformation plan for Central Falls High School for the coming school year will allow current staff members to return to the school without having to reapply for their jobs.

The agreement also imposes a longer school day, more after-school tutoring and other changes.

The board of trustees overseeing the school system in Central Falls voted in February to fire 88 high school teachers and other support staff by the end of the year. Central Falls is one of the poorest communities in the state,