The possibility of a strike is hanging heavy over the Cumberland Valley School District, and emotions were running high over the issue when parents and teachers packed a school board meeting Tuesday night. Teachers held a rally outside before the school board meeting. Inside, it was standing room only. Both sides say they want to come to an agreement, but at this point union leaders say a strike is possible.

CV parent Maureen Plummer says she hopes a strike can be avoided. "I think this contract negotiation has gone on way too long," she said.

Union negotiator Jay Foerster says what the teachers want is clear. "The message we're trying to send is real simple," he said. "We don't get cost of living on our schedule. We haven't had it for fifteen years."

The sticking points in the negotiations are salary increases and health care. The teachers contract expired last June.

School board member Ken Shur says the district's offer is fair. "This is a fair settlement. A fair offer in respect to what I see going on in other school districts," Shur said. "So it is a very fair, generous offer."

Bob Hardy has two kids in Cumberland Valley Schools. He says the meeting helped him understand what teachers are asking for. He believes the district can afford it. "I think it's doable," he said. "You're sitting on 18-23 million dollars in the school fund. I don't see why you need that kind of money."

Negotiations resume Thursday night. Shur says the board is hopeful an agreement can be reached soon. "We are committed to getting a contract," he said, "whether that takes one more meeting, two more meetings, three more meetings, we still stay until we get a contract."