McHenry teachers' strike possible Thursday

McHENRY, Ill. (WLS) -- A strike threat in the northwest suburbs could mean no school on Thursday for more than 2,000 students.

Negotiations continue in McHenry, where representatives of District 156 and its high school teachers are trying to avert a walk out. The education of 2,650 students - split the across McHenry's east and west campuses - lies in the balance.

The district is offering a three-year deal with salary increases of 2.09 percent in 2015, 1.85 percent in 2016, and 1.86 percent in 2017.

Teachers want more, and a stop to the district's efforts to eliminate "step" increases based on number of years served.

The administration wants instead to impose flat base salary increases, plus bonuses for those with graduate degrees.

Union members are also not happy about being asked to pick up 50 percent of future health care premium increases.

For the latest updates on negotiations, visit: http://www.dist156.org/.