Despite strike threat, District 211 officials working toward deal with teachers, spokeswoman says
Despite a strike vote from teachers, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 school board members are working "in good faith" toward a labor agreement, a spokeswoman said Friday.
Officials want to reach a deal "that acknowledges and values the contributions of our teachers, our dedication to students and is fiscally responsible to our community," spokeswoman Erin Holmes said.
A Northwest Suburban Teachers Union Local 1211 representative didn't answer questions asked through email Friday.
Teachers voted to strike Thursday night, pledging to walk out if a new contract isn't in place when the current deal expires June 30.
On Friday, Holmes said employees cannot strike while a contract is in place.
A federal mediator has been assisting with negotiations, she added.
The next mediation session is set for April 14.
"We remain committed to collaboratively arriving at a competitive contract," Holmes said.
Neither side has said publicly what issues separate the teachers and the board.
The largest high school district in Illinois, District 211 includes five schools: Conant High in Hoffman Estates; Fremd High in Palatine; Hoffman Estates High; Palatine High; and Schaumburg High. It also has two special education schools.
More than 12,000 students are enrolled in the district.
Strike threats aren't uncommon in District 211. Teachers were ready to hit picket lines in 2018 and in 2007 before reaching deals.