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Consolidated School District 158 announced Tuesday the negotiations between the Board of Education and the Huntley Education Association have failed. According to the short press release, the teachers union and the board have been meeting regularly throughout the summer. On their last meeting August 9, both parties agreed to enter the school year with no contact as they felt they needed a mediator.

“Although D158 teachers will be starting the year without a new contract, all parties remain committed to seeing this through without affecting the school year for students,” stated the press release.

The dates of when the mediator will be meeting with both parties is to be determined.

The Board of Education and the Huntley Education Association have had difficulty reaching deals in the recent years, especially after the union went on strike in 2008. Although the 2011-12 contract had a “no-strike clause,” it expired on June 30 when the contract officially expired, meaning teachers have the ability to strike this school year once again.

“We definitely want to work something out together, we just need a little help, ” said HEA Co-President Julie McLaughlin to the Daily Herald.

The Voice will continue to follow this vital story as the school year approaches and begins. What do you think about the decision to bring in a mediator? Start the discussion below.