Prospect Heights students head back to class Monday

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- The teachers strike is over in northwest suburban Prospect Heights. Hundreds of students are scheduled to return to the class Monday.

The Prospect Heights Education Association approved a new four-year contract late Sunday afternoon. The District 23 Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the agreement Tuesday.

The union and the school board will release a joint statement with details on the deal if the board ratifies the deal.

The teachers were fighting for higher pay. Union officials said their 150 members are some of the lowest-paid in the area, leading to a lower retention rate.

About 1,500 elementary and middle school students were out of the classroom for seven days during the strike.

The district's website said all activities before and after school will resume Monday, including the Extended Day Program.