Dixon Teachers still on the picket line - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Dixon Teachers still on the picket line

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc.com

It's been a full week since teachers went on strike in Dixon, Illinois and no deal means, no school for students there.

Hundreds of parents showed up at Wednesday night's meeting to see where the Dixon teachers union is at in their negotiations with the school board, and why so many months of negotiations have failed to result in a deal.  

"It's only about money, and I'm not stupid enough not to know classroom sizes cost money, textbooks cost money, and teachers cost money," said Sandi Sodergren-Baar, DEA President.

Teachers from the union, held the meeting to answer questions for parents, like how close they are to reaching an agreement, and when students can go back to school?

Kids have been out of school for a full week now, while both sides have spent hours on end trying to reach a deal.

Union leaders said they've now reduced their demand for a 3.75 percent pay raise down to 2 percent, but the school board said they don't want to dip into their operating funds to pay for higher wages.

None of the board members or School Superintendent Mike Juenger attended the parents meeting, and weren't available to comment on it, but parents tell us someone's got to give.

 "I was surprised the teachers came down as far as they have, and that the school board has still denied their offer," said Jennifer Hoff, Dixon School Parent.

"It's all about the kids, so they need to be taught, that's it," said another Dixon School Parent Jason Rubright.

The board and the teachers union will tackle contract negotiations again Friday afternoon, until then teachers will be on the picket line.