WEST FRANKFORT, Ill. (WSIL) -- The Frankfort CUSD 168 school board held a regular meeting to discuss ongoing teacher contract negotiations.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss strategy, as the district and educators remain without an agreement 31 days after contract expiration.

Matt Donkin, superintendent of Frankfort CUSD 168, highlighted the challenges facing the district.

"Rising insurance rates, several factors hit us at once, contributed to a budget deficit and we're trying to address that and get through this interim time," Donkin said.

He emphasized the district's efforts to balance financial uncertainties with a commitment to staff.

"With the priorities we have, trying to make sure that the district's on a sound financial setting, we do not have the reserves due t

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