The East Providence teachers’ union has signed off on a so-called “gap” contract agreement with the Budget Commission that covers a time period up until Dec. 31, according to a story in the East Providence Post.

The union and the commission are still bargaining on an agreement that goes beyond the end of this year, according to the East Providence Education Association’s president, Valerie Lawson.

The “gap” agreement was ratified by an approximate 3-1 margin by teachers, Lawson said. The vote ratified a memorandum of agreement dated Dec. 10.

The agreement is expected to save the city quite a bit of money for health care costs, according to the Post story. Some teachers who once were denied coverage now have access.

The requirements for after-school meetings for teachers also reportedly have been reduced a bit, with principals’ determining each building’s needs.

Teachers reportedly have regained a personal day lost under the previous contract. They now have two personal days a year.