Teachers and school board members in RSU 21 are happy and relieved following Monday’s announcement of a new union agreement after nearly a year of negotiations and two months without contract.

“We are grateful that all parties were able to come together and find common ground in ratifying this new contract,” said RSU 21 School Board Chair Lesley Stoeffler in a statement. “While the process took longer than anyone would have liked, we believe this contract provides a fair framework that will help us retain exceptional teachers and maintain the high-quality education our community expects. We’re looking forward to turning the page and focusing on what matters most: our students’ success.”

The teacher’s union – the Kennebunk Arundel Kennebunkport Educators’ Association (KAKEA) – says they strongly supported the agreement with 93 percent of members casting a vote on the contract

But the district is also dealing with heavy staff turnover, and school board member Abigail Spadone says they have cultural problems internally.

“Psychological safety, that was a theme that ran through across everyone involved,” said Spadone. “That folks don’t always feel comfortable speaking up.”

CBS 13 News reports the district has created a committee with staff, administrators, and board members to explore and air out any cultural issues.

There were 37 staff members who departed from the RSU 21 district between April and July.

Meanwhile, the teachers’ contract ratification comes about 45 days after the resignation of school board member Kirstin Shapiro, who was the lead negotiator with the union

Shapiro accused the union of retaliating against her during a school board meeting in September. Union members denied Shapiro’s allegations.

The town of Arundel was already planning a recall vote on Shapiro, which is set for December 17. That election is in place and will take place regardless of Shapiro’s resignation.