CHAMPION TWP., Ohio - Teachers in the Champion Local School District held a peaceful rally outside the Board of Education office on Wednesday after federally mediated contract negotiations did not help them reach a deal on a new contract.

The union says that progress was made, but agreement on a fair and equitable contract was not reached.

The Champion Schools teachers' union has submitted a Notice of Intent to Strike unless a new agreement can be hammered out with the board.

A statment from the teachers' union Wednesday says: "The contract the Champion Education Association is seeking does not create a financial hardship on the school district or community."

The board has said that it is offering teachers raises that are higher than in any other district in Trumbull County and that the union is seeking hundreds of thousands of more dollars than the district is currently offering them.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Champion Education Association stated: “We love our students and hope to reach a fair resolution before the start of the upcoming school year. We look forward to working together to ensure that teachers are back in the classroom on August 16th.”

The CEA is encouraging residents to contact the board and superintendent to help avoid a strike.

They scheduled another mediation session tentatively for August 13th. They hope to reach a resolution by August 16th.