PENN HILLS, Pa. -- More than 400 striking teachers in the Penn Hills School District near Pittsburgh said they'll return to class Wednesday in a gesture aimed at settling a contract impasse.

The teachers went on strike Feb. 4, but the effect has been blunted somewhat by the weekend snow storm which canceled classes in nearly every other area district on Monday and Tuesday.

The state Department of Education had previously ordered the teachers to return by Thursday so students can receive a state-mandated 180 days of instruction by June 15.

"This is no indication that we are closer to an agreement. It's a gesture to all parties that we want this thing resolved," said Butch Santicola, spokesman for the Penn Hills Education Association. "After a meeting of the leadership this morning, it was decided that returning to school is a good option at this time."

The teachers want a five-year contract with annual raises of about 6 percent and lower health premiums for some teachers. The district offered a three-year deal with raises above 3 percent in the last two years and increased health premiums.

---

• E-Mail Newsletter: Get The Latest News Sent To Your E-Mail!
• Mobile: Get WPXI Headlines On Your Phone, iPhone, More
• RSS: Add Us To Your Page!

---