MURPHYSBORO — A strike is on at Murphysboro schools after a last ditch effort to hammer out an agreement between the Murphysboro Education Association and the School Board failed.

According to a release from the District 186 School Board, “the Board of Education is frustrated by this turn of events. In our view, the teachers are walking away from a respectable offer which provides an average 4 percent increase to the teachers’ salaries. The Board of Education views these 4% salary increases as a strong and sufficient offer, especially with 100% of teacher insurance and 100 percent of teacher retirement is paid by the District. Indeed, even this offer would put the district into deficit spending. However, the Teacher Team was demanding the District “deficit spend” more than what would be fiscally responsible. Because of this, they have chosen to go on strike.”

According to a release from the Murphysboro Education Association’s Facebook page following last night’s meetings,  “the Board’s revised “last, best, and final” offer was simply a rearrangement of their previous “last, best and final” offer and remains unacceptable. This means that teachers will not be reporting to school today.” The statement continues “As always, we remain ready and willing to negotiate at any time so that our students do not miss out on their education.” The closure means that all school activities, including athletic events are cancelled until an agreement can be made. There are no scheduled meetings between the two sides at this time.

The closure means that all school activities, including athletic events are cancelled until an agreement can be made. There are no scheduled meetings between the two sides at this time.