Teachers at West Chicago High School sat at the negotiating table with school board officials Monday night for several hours in an effort to sidestep a strike that would leave thousands of kids out of class--but struck no deal.
The teachers and school board negotiators will meet again Thursday, according to the Daily Herald. The educators were still reviewing a full contract proposal while a school board president told the newspaper differences persisted despite the progress that's been made.
"It is time for the board to put forth a fair contract that will attract quality teachers to WeGo, retain quality teachers at WeGo and reward quality teachers for their loyalty to WeGo," Brian Wheeler, a special education teacher, said, according to the newspaper. "This is about our school, our community and most importantly our students."
The possibility of a strike comes after two years of talks with little compromise over salaries and benefits. According to the Herald, the teachers could have legally went on strike as early as Monday.
If teachers do strike, it would be the first time in the district since 1984, the newspaper reports.
