Edison Local teachers rejected the school board's latest offer and issued a 10-day strike notice on Friday.

Negotiations have been ongoing since May between the school board and the Edison Local Education Association.

On Friday, the board held a special meeting at Stanton Elementary School to ratify what officials called their "last, best and final offer."

School board president Karen Taylor said she was shocked that teachers issued a Nov. 7 strike notice.

"We have come up with what we think is a very fair offer. (The teachers) have rejected it, so the procedure will go on as they have issued a strike," Taylor said.

The board had offered a 2 percent wage increase for each of the next three years, a $15 health insurance premium for singles and a $25 health insurance premium for families.

Union spokeswoman Jamie Evans said the union was disappointed the board walked away from the table and imposed a contract on teachers. Because of that, union president John Avouris said teachers had no choice but to issue the strike notice.

"The teachers have prepared to do what's necessary to get a fair contract," Avouris said.

Both sides said they do not want the strike and said they hope some type of agreement can be reached before Nov. 7. Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage.

-Renee Cardelli & Chandi Lowry, NEWS9