Some parents stand by striking teachers at Waukegan Unit District 60

Some parents showed support for striking teachers Friday afternoon by joining a picket line on both sides of Sheridan Road outside Waukegan Unit District 60 headquarters.

It was the second day for the Waukegan teachers strike that's left about 17,000 students locked out of classes. About 1,200 employees walked out Thursday in a dispute centered on issues such as salaries, health insurance and the number of work days.

Rashirley Santiago was among the parents who were with the picketing teachers. Santiago clutched a cup of coffee and a sign reading: "I should be working, but I support our teachers!!"

"Our teachers are so underpaid, and I think there should have been talks all summer long and before school even started, everything should be been settled," said Santiago, who has three children attending District 60 schools.

Another parent with two children in District 60 schools, Brooke Mezo, said she wanted to support the teachers because they should make more money.

"(Waukegan) is one of the lowest-paid districts as far as teachers, but they're one of the best teachers," Mezo said. "And they deserve a fair contract."

District 60 is offering a two-year deal with 1.63-percent and 1.5-percent raises. Negotiators from the Lake County Federation of Teachers union have sought a three-year contract with a 9 percent pay hike in the first year, followed by 7-percent increases the next two years.

In a statement Friday, District 60 officials said they apologize for the inconvenience this strike is causing for students, parents and the community. A federal mediator has set the next negotiating session for Monday morning.

"This strike is difficult for everyone involved and we want our students back in school," District 60's statement reads. "Not only do we want them back in school soon, but in years to come. That's what's at stake here - the financial solvency of the Waukegan school system. While the union has spent much time talking about a surplus, the 9 percent salary increase the teachers propose this coming year and the 7 percent increases they have asked for next year and the following year would bankrupt the district."

Lake County Federation of Teachers President Michael McGue said the school system would still have a financial surplus if it provides what the instructors want in a new deal.

District 60 students will be off for a third day Monday.