MURPHYSBORO — The Murphysboro Education Association (MEA) set a strike date for Thursday. The MEA says there are no negotiations set, and says it is currently waiting for the Murphysboro CUSD 186 Board to provide its availability.

The teachers union met with school board officials and a federal mediator Thursday night but didn’t come to an agreement.

The Murphysboro Teachers Union filed an intent to strike notice earlier this month after talks stalled.

In terms of salary, the two sides were about $614,000 apart, although district superintendent Chris Grode said the district has increased its offer significantly since the last offer that was posted to the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board.