NEW YORK (AP) -- Teachers in the nation's largest public school system have ratified a new contract with the city that gives them 15 percent raises over four years, union leaders announced Thursday.About 63 percent of the teachers voting favored the new contract, capping a lengthy, often contentious battle between the city and the United Federation of Teachers. More than 86,600 votes were cast."It is my hope that with this agreement, we can put the bitterness of the last few years behind us and work together to provide the highest quality education for our students," UFT President Randi Weingarten said in a statement.Teachers had been without a contract since May 2003. At one point during the negotiations, the union threatened a strike, which would have been illegal.A tentative deal was struck in early October, and union delegates moved to get it approved.Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement that the contract was "good for teachers, the city, and most importantly, our school children."The pay of starting teachers would increase to $42,000 from $39,000, with a new maximum base pay of about $92,000, up from $81,000.The contract also extends the school year by two days and requires teachers to work 50 minutes more each week, giving students extra help.Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.