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Talks Resume As Galesburg Teachers Remain on Strike

TSPR's Cortney Hill

Negotiations have resumed between the Galesburg school district and its teachers.

...All of us want to be in the classroom. That's what we do best.

The two sides have not met again face to face, but are in communication through a federal mediator.

District Superintendent Bart Arthur says he’s cautiously optimistic.

“Oh yeah, I think it’s good," Arthur said. "I think we are making progress. I wish we didn’t have to do it at all, but I think they are making some movement and we are too.”

The teachers sent over a supposal, which is a less binding version of a proposal, Thursday afternoon.  The district countered it the next morning. 

But, Tami Qualls, spokeswoman for the Galesburg Education Association says they’ve not yet heard back from the district. But they hope to soon.

“We are willing to work with our board," Qualls said. "We just are trying to get this resolved. So, all of us want to be in the classroom. That’s what we do best.”

Meanwhile, the strike continues with teachers picketing across the city. 

School was scheduled to begin this week, but it has been postponed until further notice.

Emily Boyer is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.