Representatives of the East Moline Education Association reached a tentative agreement with the school district after meeting with Superintendent Kristin Humphries and board member Robert Anderson on Monday.

Employees of the district have been without a contract since June 30, said Mr. Humphries. He would not disclose the length or details of the new agreement.

District employees showed up in force at the Nov. 28 school board meeting to demand a new agreement and ask for raises.

"I've been in education for 34 years, and we've always had a contract," said Roberta Kellinson, an intervention coordinator for the district. "We work countless hours before school, after school, we spend thousands of dollars out of our own pockets to purchase items we need to enhance education."

Board members will vote whether to approve the new agreement at the next meeting Dec. 19.