ALTON, Ill. (AP) – The school board in the Mississippi River city of Alton has approved a two-year contract with teachers, ending concerns about a possible strike.

The (Alton) Telegraph reports (http://bit.ly/1QvecN6) the school board approved the agreement Tuesday. Alton Education Association members had approved the deal last week. The agreement includes wage increases and maintains health and dental benefits, according to details posted on the union’s website. It will be in place through the 2016-2017 school year.

Teachers union President Brenda Powers addressed the school board Tuesday in a long speech that detailed complaints from educators and asked for alternative classrooms for disruptive students.

School Board President Ed Gray said it’s unclear how the district will be able to make improvements without raising taxes.