Shaun Brumbaugh faced the South Butler County school board in front of an audience of about 200 people, his voice cracking as he detailed his decades-long relationship with several school board members.

He reminisced about ski trips with one member, a room rented from another and time spent teaching the children of other board members during his 22-year career as a teacher in the district.

"Any other time, we would be having a neighborly conversation," he said. "Why is it now that I am your enemy?"

Mr. Brumbaugh and other teachers, parents and residents spoke of a community divided last night as they expressed their feelings about the teacher strike that began Oct. 23.

The emotional and often boisterous public comment section lasted more than twice as long as the allotted half-hour, as audience members cheered and waved signs.

Many of the speakers, several of whom were South Butler teachers, questioned the board's negotiating strategy and the role of school board attorney Tom King.

"Mr. King does not live in the district, he does not have children in the district and it is not in his best interest to get a contract quickly," said Michael Archer, who introduced himself as a parent in the district and the husband of a teacher.

School board President James Jones responded by saying that "Mr. King works at the direction of the school board. The school board does not work at the direction of Mr. King."

Mr. King also served as the attorney for Seneca Valley School District during its prolonged strike last school year.

A few speakers encouraged the board to maintain its position in the negotiations, saying teachers were asking for too much in wages and health insurance.

"Don't put our students and us through this only to fold at the end and give them everything they're asking for," said Jenny Webb, who was applauded by the audience.

The teachers union and the school board held negotiations yesterday and have scheduled additional sessions for today and tomorrow.

But "we're not close at all," said Pennsylvania State Education Association spokesman Butch Santicola.

The union said it would respond today to the school board's offer yesterday to hold a negotiating session every day at 2:30 p.m. for the remainder of the strike.

Under state law, students will return to school Nov. 18 to complete their state-mandated 180 days of instruction by June 15.