Teachers in the Harrison Hills School District went on strike Monday after they and the school board were unable to reach a contract agreement Sunday night.

Harrison Hills superintendent Jim Drexler said students should still report to class.

The school board approved the hiring of Michigan-based Huffmaster, a company that provides replacement workers and security during work stoppages.

Linda Rusen, spokeswoman for the Harrison Hills Teachers Association, said teachers began their strike at 12:01 a.m. Monday. Rusen said teachers will be marching in front of numerous schools in the district throughout the strike.

The teachers have been working without a contract for months. Superintendent Jim Drexler said teachers rejected the board's latest offer Sunday night, refused binding arbitration and would not agree to push back its strike date.

The board's offer included a 2.5 percent increase in base salary from 2007-2008, and a 3 percent increase the following year. Additionally, the board promised teachers inexpensive insurance premiums in payments of no more than $49 a month.

Drexler said that was the board's best offer. Rusen said the last-ditch attempt by the board was not enough, but she said she is hopeful an agreement will be reached soon.

"You always ask for more and they always offer less, and you hope to meet in the middle," Rusen said.

In a statement released Sunday night, Drexler said the board regrets that it has come to this. Drexler also said "all non-certified and support staff will remain on the job, and normal attendance policies will be in effect for students. Attendance will be taken."

Some students and their families said they are stuck in the middle and said they have many questions.

Teachers said they plan to picket outside of schools until 3:30 p.m. The board said no further negotiations or mediations were planned as of Monday.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage of the strike.

-Renee Cardelli & Jasmine Lo, NEWS9