Hundreds of teachers in the East Bay are going on strike Thursday as talks stall over better pay and benefits. Thousands of students in the West Contra Costa Unified School District are going to feel the impact as about 1,400 teachers walk off the job. District officials say all campuses will remain open, and meals will continue. But classes likely will look different on campus and at home. Families keeping students home can sign up for independent study. The teachers are expected to picket outside dozens of schools located in El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo. The union and school district are at impasse after 10 months of negotiations for a new contract. The teachers union authorized the strike Monday. It seeks a 10% pay raise over the next two years, better health care and smaller class sizes. The district is offering a 3% raise and increased health benefits. Union leaders say their low pay makes it difficult to recruit new teachers into their district. They also claim there’s a lack of special education services and that 71 classrooms across the district started this school year without teachers. District Superintendent Cheryl Cotton says the district is facing a deficit that likely will require cuts. “I heard the real frustrations of our educators regarding pay increases, health benefits, special education, fully staffed schools and several other key issues during the fact-finding hearing,” Cotton said. “We hear them. I also heard from statewide financial experts about the district’s severe budget situation.” Gabrielle Micheletti, vice president of United Teachers of Richmond also weighed in. “This strike is about ensuring that kids get the education that they deserve and get the services they need,” Micheletti said. “And the real harm that’s being done right now is that there are kids who are not having teachers, having the support they need.” In response to the strike, the Richmond City Council has allocated $50,000 to open rec centers and partner with community organizations to help students and families while teachers are on the picket lines. Teamsters Local 856, which represents food service, maintenance and other staff, also was expected to join the picket line after rejecting their contract. ...read more read less