STRONGSVILLE, Ohio, March 4 (UPI) -- Teachers in Strongsville, Ohio, went on strike Monday amid a contract dispute as substitutes flooded schools to keep the doors open.
About 385 teachers, guidance counselors, nurses and psychologists walked out on their jobs Monday morning after weekend talks with the school board failed to reach a deal. Some 140 substitutes were called in to keep watch on the district's 6,200 students.
Superintendent John Krupinski said pupils were still required to attend school but it was unclear immediately how many parents kept their children home.
Many who did attend told The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer they thought the teachers were being selfish.
"They say they're all worried about the kids, but they're worried about themselves," sophomore Clair Repine said, as her friends nodded in agreement.
Teachers walking picket lines declined to comment but carried signs saying things like, "We love out kids."
Teachers have not had a contract since June and union officials said they have not had pay increases since 2007-08, though step increases for seniority have been in place for all but one year during that span. Employee health insurance contributions have risen from $40 to $150 per month during that time.
District officials told The Plain Dealer the cuts reflect "economic realities" in a district that's seen less state aid while retirement and health insurance costs have continued to climb.
