No school in Prospect Heights as strike continues; teachers, school board to meet Monday

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- Classes are canceled for students in Prospect Heights School District 23 on Monday as contract negotiations continue between teachers and the school board.

Teachers went on strike last Wednesday. They are fighting for higher pay. The Prospect Heights Education Association insists their 150 members are some of the lowest paid in the area, leading to a lower retention rate.

"We are at the lowest retention rate in the surrounding area. Our last three years, we were only at 80 percent. Most districts around here are at around 90-95 percent," said Bob Miller, union president.

Teachers and board members were back at the bargaining table Sunday night, where a new financial proposal was presented and discussed.

The board suggested a cooling off period, so classes could resume during negotiations. The union rejected the idea.

Despite the lack of a deal, the school board president said she feels the two sides are getting closer every time they meet. Union representatives also said some progress was made Sunday night.

Both sides will resume negotiations on Monday.