NORWICH – Shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday, it became official. After nearly two years of tense negotiations and 20 months working under an expired contract, Norwich teachers finally have a new contract.

“I’m very, very happy,” said Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan.

The only hurdle remaining after the tentative agreement reached by the district and the Norwich Educators Organization was approved by union members earlier this week, was the approval of the Norwich City School Board of Education.

The contract’s ratification was listed as a supplemental agenda item at last night’s school board meeting. While such items are normally handled at the end of the meeting, the school board saw no need to keep the teachers and community members who attended the meeting in suspense.