Months of contract negotiations came to an abrupt halt Monday with the Penn Hills Education Association's announcement that its teachers will strike on Thursday.

The association, whose teachers have been working without a contract since Aug. 31, notified Penn Hills superintendent Joseph W. Carroll of its intent to strike Monday morning. The district released a statement on its website later that day announcing school closings on Thursday and Friday and rebuking the association's contractual demands.

"The district is challenged with high, burdensome taxes and the need to substantially improve the quality of education. The education association has rejected any effort to make contract changes which would help the district to meet the financial and educational challenges," the letter said.

But Butch Santicola, speaking on behalf of PHEA, said the union made every effort to reach concessions with the district before deciding to strike.

"Our people studied and examined every area of this, and we feel there's no alternative," he said.

Mr. Santicola said contract discussions began in October 2008.

Board President Joe Bailey, who served on the negotiating team, said PHEA rejected three viable offers, including one that would have cost the district $10 million over five years.

Chief negotiator Bruce Campbell said the teachers union has gone as far as saying it would be "irresponsible" for the district not to raise taxes to settle the matter.

But Mr. Santicola said PHEA doesn't support tax increases and the district is putting out negative information to garner public support during the strike.

"They want to draw us up like we're the bad guys, but we're not going to do point-counterpoint with when it comes to bargaining proposals. Come to the table," he said.

Mr. Campbell said he estimates the strike will last 6 or 7 days and will not affect sports or other extracurricular activities. The state will determine how many days the district can miss without violating its statutes. Schools must complete 180 days of classes by June 15.

But Mr. Bailey warned that student jobs may be threatened by the strike and urged a speedy resolution.

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