Hinsdale teachers and school board struggle to reach deal

HINSDALE, Ill. (WLS) -- The Hinsdale High School Teachers Association and District 86 School Board are still trying to reach a deal on a new contract.

The teachers union claims it's asking for raises of 1 percent, while the school board contends their request would equal raises of more than 5 percent.

The school board is also calling on the teachers to pay more of their healthcare premiums.

"Our purpose for holding this press conference, and for sending this mailer to the community, is to accelerate the pace of negotiations and ensure that our students will continue, uninterrupted and on schedule, their top-quality education in August," said school board president Dr. Richard Skoda.

The teachers' spokesperson says teachers are surprised by today's news conference. They say a federal mediator told them not to speak publicly about any proposals.