Pact Ending Strike Brings Fragile Peace

By Jeanne Ponessa

Oakland, Calif Superintendent Carolyn Getridge brought the 23-day teachers' strike here to a symbolic end last week when she walked out of her office, crossed the street, and offered handshakes and hugs to teachers gathered on a small stretch of grass.

The teachers, who had voted the day before to approve a new contract, were dismantling the tents and picket signs outside the district offices that had come to serve as de facto strike headquarters.

"This is the beginning of a new school year, that's the way I look at it," a beaming Ms. Getridge said as she greeted the teachers March 20. "A four-year contract--that gives us 3-1/2 years of peace so we can work together so this never...