Teacher Strike in Westlake Still a Possibility

The possibility of a teacher's strike came another step closer after a contentious board of education meeting at the Westlake Performing Arts Center.

Westlake teachers have not had a contract since last year and have been growing increasingly frustrated with the way negotiations have been going. Some have suggested that the school board just isn't listening.

Monday' meeting ended on a sour note when School Board president, Carol Winter, ended the meeting without allowing time for public comment after the standard amount of time had passed. School board members exited through a side door while members of the audience booed and shouted, reports Cleveland.com.

After the meeting, Teacher's Union president, Patrick McMorrow said to the audience, "It formally ends the negotiation process and forces the teachers to choose between the unconditional surrender of our working conditions or going on strike; there is not another option."

The school board presented teachers with their last best and final offer on April 29th. School board members said in a statement that "it is unfair to say we have not negotiated in good faith," and "we have to balance the needs of our schools with the reality of our budget."

Board members also say that the last best and final offer includes health care and personal day concessions along with salary increases.

Teachers will vote on Friday to decide on the board's offer. If rejected, the next step could be a vote to strike.