Teachers in the North Pocono School District voted Monday night to strike, although they are allowing for more time to negotiate before hitting the picket line.
The strike is set to begin April 18.
Bill Lydick, UniServ representative for the Pennsylvania State Education Association, said the date allows additional time for the two sides to reach an agreement.
Negotiations for a new contract began in November 2011. The contract expired in summer 2012. The North Pocono Education Association voted on Jan. 30 to authorize a strike.
Mr. Lydick declined to comment on the specific issues contested in the negotiations, but The Times-Tribune has previously reported that raises and health care have been significant factors.
A meeting between bargaining teams from the district and the education association is scheduled for next week, according to Mr. Lydick.
"I'm really hoping that next week we can reach an agreement," he said.
He went on to explain that setting the strike date for April 18 allows both parties to make preparations for whatever action is taken.
"The strategy there was to kind of give the board as much time as we could," he said, noting a board meeting scheduled on April 17.
"Plus, it also gives time for the community to make some plans," he added.
If the strike comes to fruition, parents and families will have time to make arrangements for child care and other needs.
In an emailed statement, Mr. Lydick called the decision "very difficult." He said that the teachers hope the strike will not be required.
District solicitor, Joseph O'Brien echoed the idea, when reached by phone late Monday.
"We have a meeting with them next week, a formal negotiation session," he said. "We are hopeful that the strike can be averted."
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