Escondido

Teachers in the Escondido Union High School District have tentatively agreed to a new, three-year contract calling for a 6.5% pay increase retroactive to July 1, resolving eight months of contract negotiations that in recent weeks included threats of job action.

Teachers are expected to vote next week to ratify the agreement.

The negotiations included the use of a state-appointed mediator but, in the end, the deal was struck in talks directly between teacher representatives and members of the school board, officials said.

Teachers had sought a 7% pay increase.

Next year’s pay increase will depend on how much state aid the district receives, the two sides agreed.