DIXON, Ill. — Teachers in the northern Illinois city of Dixon have ratified a contract after going on strike.

About 170 teachers went on strike Feb. 28. Students missed nine days of school. The Telegraph in Dixon reports that the teachers ratified a contract Tuesday that includes pay increases over four years and higher health insurance payments. The teachers have been working without a contract since August. The Dixon School Board has to ratify the contract too. It's scheduled to do that Wednesday.

A federal mediator helped with negotiations. A deal was reached on March 13.