After hours of negotiations Thursday night, teachers with the Geneva Education Association are preparing to walk off the job on Monday if a better deal is not reached at the next negotiation session this Sunday.
The two sides did settle on terms for the current school year, but can't agree on the remainder of the contract.
Parents are left wondering what happens next.
"It may or may not happen. It's unfortunate," said Kim Wilson, parent.
Word of a strike was looming for some time. Parents were notified via email by the school this week. The word quickly spread among students.
"A little shocked, not entirely, make them up," said Tyler Rudowicz, student.
In a statement, District 304's school board president said the board, does not understand the GEA's urgency to strike, as the union is effectively walking out over issues that would not take effect until the 2013-2014 school year." Officials also said, "the board remains committed to negotiating an agreement that is good for students fair to teachers and fiscally responsible"
The district is trying to be responsible and prepare for a strike, with activities and lesson plans for kids.
In a statement sent to our ABC7's news partner The Daily Herald, the GEA union president said, "the GEA negotiation team met with the board of education for approximately 10 hours on Thursday in a good-faith attempt to conclude a fair agreement that will serve the needs of students, educators and the community."
The school district has made the current proposal online at www.geneva304.org/negotiations.asp.
