McHenry high school teachers go on strike

MCHENRY, Ill. (AP) - Teachers in the Chicago suburb of McHenry have gone on strike after disagreeing with district officials about compensation and insurance benefits.

McHenry High School District 156 said in a message on its website that schools were closed because teachers went on strike Thursday morning. That means extracurricular, athletic and other activities at the school's two campuses also are canceled. About 2,600 students are affected.

Talks between the district and teachers' union ended early Thursday. Negotiations started in March and the 160 teachers have been working without a contract since its expired in June.

McHenry Community High School Teachers Association officials say they're ready to negotiate and resolve differences "as soon as possible."

The school board said it is hopeful for a "mutually beneficial contract."