Teachers with the Galesburg Education Association did not accept a contract offered by District 205 on Tuesday evening and went on strike this morning. The last time the Galesburg school district saw a strike was about 37 years ago.

Over the past couple of days, the two sides took part in 15 hours of mediation, but failed to reach an agreement. 

"The proposal does not adequately address safe working conditions for educators and students,” said union spokeswoman Tami Qualls, according to the Register-Mail. “Fair working conditions such as just cause for dismissal and the number of days and hours employed are not included.”

Students will not go to class Thursday, the first day of school in the district, if the strike continues.

Union and school officials have agreed to set a time to continue negotiations.