NILES, Ohio - Holding up signs and demanding answers, teachers came to the Niles Board of Education building as they prepared to strike on September 1st.

Those teachers and other supporters of the teacher's union gathered at Monday's school board to make sure their voices were heard.

Two more negotiation sessions are set for August 26th and 31st. Some teachers are concerned that the 26th is very close to the school's August 29th start date.

"We don't want to go on strike, but we will if we have to," said Traci Kempe, the spokesperson for the Niles Education Association. "We are worthy of a fair and equitable contract that is similar to what schools around us are getting."

Negotiations for a new three-year agreement have been ongoing since March. Students are set to return to class in just two weeks.

In case of a strike, the board voted on a contingency plan at Monday's meeting. The plan includes strike security for school buildings and an alternate academic plan.

It would also revoke teachers' benefits if the strike moves forward. After the vote, teachers walked out of the meeting in solidarity.

The current contract is set to expire on August 31st at 11:59 p.m.