Oct. 09--Teachers in McHenry High School District 156 remained on strike Friday after talks to produce a new contract for them broke off early in the morning, a union official said.
Classes were canceled again at the East and West high school campuses, where teachers have been off the job since Oct. 1.
Heidie Dunn, of the teachers union, said talks between union and school board negotiators would resume later Friday.
Homecoming events scheduled for this weekend already had been called off because of the strike.
The homecoming dance will be rescheduled, the school district said on its website. Other homecoming activities were being reviewed for rescheduling, and other athletic events are being rescheduled, according to the website.
The district said the administrators plan to meet with student leadership groups as soon as school resumes so that they can provide input on revisions to the school calendar and rescheduling missed activities.
The football team, which represents both campuses, was forced to forfeit Friday night's game against Dundee-Crown.
Even if a deal had been reached Thursday night, the football team would still have to forfeit Friday's game due to Illinois High School Association rules regarding the number of practices required following a strike.
Gary Kinshofer, lead negotiator for the school board,
said it was unfortunate that homecoming was canceled but said he's sure it will rescheduled for another week.
Walking alongside teachers Thursday on the picket lines were a number of students, including one senior who said, "My teachers have always been incredibly supportive of me. So I just feel like it's right that I'm out here supporting them."
The McHenry Outdoor Theatre is offering a free large popcorn and large soda to students who come out to see "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" on Saturday night now that the dance has been canceled.
"I know that a night at the movies may not compare to a homecoming dance or football game, but at least it is something to do with their friends that is safe and fun," the theater posted Wednesday on its Facebook page. "We feel badly for all being affected by this strike and sincerely hope that it is resolved soon. In the meantime, McHenry High School students, the popcorn and drinks are on the house!"
At the request of students, Just for Fun roller-skating rink in McHenry is offering free admission to all McHenry High School students Saturday night, but instead of skating there will be dancing.
"People started messaging me on Facebook, asking, 'Can we use the rink for our dance?'" said owner Lisa Tagliapietra. "A couple of student council kids are coming in to decorate and put it together."
Tagliapietra said the kids are disappointed that the teachers haven't been able to reach a deal. "The kids are the ones who suffer," she said. "They have to figure it out for the kids."
Michelle Groenke is a freelance reporter.
