Dixon teachers say they’ll go on strike Thursday

Teachers in Dixon School District are planning to strike starting Thursday.

Sauk Valley Media reported that Dixon Education Association told the school board of its decision Tuesday.

The union says “very little progress” was made in negotiations that went past 2 a.m., and classes for the district’s 2,781 students will be canceled Thursday.

The board scheduled a special meeting for 7 p.m. Wednesday. It will to take public comment, then meet in closed session to discuss contract talks.

Union President Sandi Sodergren-Baar says the two sides are “still very far apart,” on big issues.

Superintendent Michael Juenger says those issues include staffing, salaries and benefits.

Teachers have been working without a contract since August. The next bargaining session is Thursday night.