SYRACUSE -- The Syracuse Teachers Association (STA) has ratified a tentative contract extension.

The STA tells CNY Central that all four bargaining units voted for it Thursday.

Two of the bargaining units, including the 2,000 member teaching group, agreed to half the raises they were scheduled to get under the existing contract next year.

The move also extends the current agreements until June 2014.

"This vote demonstrated that STA members understand the economic realities the SCSD faces and are willing to make the kind of shared sacrifice necessary to help the district cope with the state's disastrous education budget," the STA said in a news release.

"This extension represents a reasonable compromise that allows our members as well as the district to move forward together through these difficult economic times."

The STA says this will prevent further layoffs this year.

We have calls out to the Syracuse City School District for comment. Stay with CNY Central.com for any updates.