Teachers in the Valley View District have announced plans to go on strike next week.

In the Valley View School District, which encompasses Romeoville and Bolingbrook, a potential strike looms on the horizon as teachers and district officials clash over an additional 20 minutes added to the school day.

Jared Ploger, president of the Valley View Council, announced a strike date of September 18, citing the Board of Education's disregard for teachers' concerns regarding an earlier start time for high schoolers.

The main point of contention between the teachers and the district is the belief that the additional instructional time will result in higher test scores, while teachers claim the extra time puts undue burdens on staff.

In a rally on Monday evening, Ploger asserted that the teachers are united and will stand strong. He also stated that the community stands with the staff, echoing the support shown during public comment at a board meeting on Monday night.

Last week, the teachers filed an "intent to strike notice." Ploger, in his statement on Monday night, urged the Board of Education to come back to the table ready to work towards a fair contract.

A bargaining session between the teachers and the district is planned for Tuesday. Ploger, however, states that the Board of Education leaves them no other choice but to set a strike date, as the dispute continues to escalate.

The teachers claim that the extra time puts undue burdens on staff, with Ploger emphasising that a strike is a last resort but is rapidly approaching. The district officials, on the other hand, believe that the additional instructional time will lead to higher test scores.

As the September 18 strike date approaches, the community, teachers, and district officials await the outcome of Tuesday's bargaining session, hoping for a resolution that benefits all parties involved.