Westlake Teachers to Vote on Board's Final Offer, Strike Possible

Today, Westlake teachers will vote to either accept or reject the board of education's best and final offer. If rejected, a strike is possible. Concerns about resources, classroom staffing and pay remain roadblocks to an agreement with teachers and the board of education, reports Cleveland.com.

Teachers say that the board isn't listening and the board says the best and final offer includes raises and health concessions. Board of Education President, Carol Winter told Cleveland.com that the final offer is based on what the district can afford.

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Westlake voters have said no to three levies, the most recent defeat last May. Cuts in state funding have also hurt the school district's budget.

If the teachers reject the offer in today's vote, the board could try again at the bargaining table or they could vote to enforce the current deal. If they choose to enforce the current deal, if that happens, the teachers will either have to accept the deal or strike.

The school district issued the following statement:

"We will have a process in place to ensure our student are safe, and minimizes confusion and disruption as much as feasible. If the teachers choose to go on strike this close to the end of the school year, final grades and transcripts would be delayed and could impact seniors that are preparing for college."

The final day of school is June 8th in Westlake.