A strike threat is looming as students in Naperville return to school this week.

Naperville District 203's teachers union, the NUEA, announced its members voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike on Tuesday. 

While this does not mean the strike is imminent, it puts pressure on the district to reach a deal after its contract expired on June 30. The union and the district have been bargaining since February. 

Students return to school on Thursday. Union President Ross Berkley assured parents there will be "plenty of notice" if teachers decide to strike, ensuring parents can make childcare arrangements. 

See Berkley's full statement below: 

"Listen, no one wants to go on strike. In fact, it's the last thing we want to do. We'd much rather be in our classrooms with our students than out on the picket line. But we're also willing to do whatever is necessary to make sure our students have the best education possible," NUEA President Ross Berkley said. "If we do go on strike, we also want to reassure parents and our community that we will give plenty of notice before, so arrangements for childcare can be made."   

In a statement Wednesday afternoon, The Naperville 203 Board of Education said they remain committed to negotiating a fiar contract with the union.

"We believe we can find common ground that supports our educators, respects our taxpayers, and keeps our students learning without pause," said Charles Cush, President of the Naperville 203 Board of Education. "Negotiations can be challenging, but our community's children are worth every effort we make to reach a solution together."

The board said they have offered raises for all four years of their contract proposal, including a compounded raise of more than 10% over the first two years; and a 5% increase in starting salaries. The district said that would keep Naperville teachers among the highest paid in the state.

Negotiations are scheduled to continue on Tuesday.