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HIGHLAND, Ill. (AP) — Teachers in southwestern Illinois' Highland School District rejected a contract offer Sunday, so their strike will continue.
The teachers voted 140-20 against the offer, the Belleville News-Democrat reported (http://bit.ly/1AOzSb5 ).
Superintendent Michael Sutton told the newspaper he was surprised the tentative deal didn't pass. Highland Education Association President ShiAnne Shively said union leaders took their direction from the members. No new bargaining sessions were scheduled as of Sunday night.
Teachers in the 3,000-student district went on strike Thursday after nearly six months of negotiations. While extracurricular activities were held, sporting events were cancelled Friday, including a varsity football game.
Officials have said the district lost around $1 million a year over the past four years because of state budget problems. Union officials contended that the district's budget could cover the salary and benefit increases it has proposed.
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Information from: Belleville News-Democrat, http://www.bnd.com
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