CADIZ, Ohio -- Oct. 1 is an important day on the school calendar in the Harrison Hills City School District.

It's the day union teachers say they'll walk off the job unless they can agree to a new contract with the school board.

While both school administrators and union leaders have said they're hoping talks will continue, there are signs both sides are preparing for a work stoppage.

"What I want is a peaceful and fair settlement before Oct. 1," said Harrison Hills Teachers Association spokesperson Linda Rusen. "We'll do what we have to do to achieve that goal."

Wednesday night, the school board authorized superintendent Jim Drexler to formulate a plan to hire substitue teachers and close schools if teachers walk out.

Drexler has said he plans to keep school open and asked the board to approve the hiring of Michigan-based Huffmaster, a company that provides replacement workers and security during work stoppages.

Rusen said her union clashed with Huffmaster security workers during a previous strike in 1987, but Drexler said the firm's employees will provide a safe environment at the district's schools and have passed background checks.

Rusen remains hopeful the strike and the security won't be necessary.

"We're hoping that they came back to the table with a different proposal than they have offered in the past and start bargaining fairly," said Rusen.

Drexler said he and the board are willing to return to talks if called for by a federal mediator.

The Harrison Hills City School District has a list of frequently asked questions about its strike plan posted on its Web site.

You can read more about the union's concerns by clicking here.