District 23, union negotiating all weekend, could strike next week
Teachers in Prospect Heights Elementary District 23 could be less than a week from going on strike, but officials will continue negotiating through the weekend to try to avoid a walkout.
Negotiation sessions between the Prospect Heights Education Association and District 23's school board are set for Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - which is the first day the union has said a strike could begin.
"We're hoping that everybody rolls up their sleeves and can get this thing done," said Superintendent Deb Wilson.
Salary and teacher retention are issues that have been sticking points during negotiations. Wilson said the two sides are still "significantly far apart" on money issues, but said she remains hopeful that they can settle on a deal before disrupting school.
A letter to the school board from union president Bob Miller posted on Sept. 9 ended by saying, "No one wants to go on strike but if your inability to compromise continues you leave us no choice."