Negotiations between Hermitage School District and the Hermitage Education Association teachers union are moving ahead, according to negotiators from both sides.

But a strike plan is in place in case things don't work out, said school board Vice President Timothy J. Ruffo, chairman of the district's negotiating committee.

"We are concerned about the possibility of a strike. But we're not going to be intimidated by rumors of a strike," said Ruffo.

"If the union feels the need to strike, that's their choice. But we would like the public to know that the administration has prepared the district in the event of a strike. It's in everyone's interest to take those steps to be prepared," he said.

No specific date for a strike has been set but the union has voted to authorize one, according to chief union negotiator Paul Estock.

"We haven't given a date. The first people who would know about a date is the administration," said Estock, a sixth-grade teacher.

"We made progress at the (Wednesday) meeting, and progress is good," Estock said. "Depending on both parties, we're hoping to come to an agreement. Both sides have made a concerted effort to work hard and often."

Though neither side would discuss any sticking points, board President Duane Piccirilli said the district is going have to come up with $260,000 to cover teachers' pensions this year.

"What really hurt us was this pension money we had to pay back," said Piccirilli.

Last year the state Legislature increased pensions benefits for themselves, state employees and teachers, with supporters saying the move wouldn't cost taxpayers any more money. But the recession and poor stock market performance hit the state budget and pension funds hard and now the state is requiring Pennsylvania schools to increase pension fund payments..

"It's really astronomical and it is really affecting our negotiations because we have to pay that," Piccirilli said.

"There are two issues to me," Piccirilli said. "To educate the children, and to try and be fair employees."

The average Hermitage teacher's salary is $47,033 and the starting teacher's salary is $31,976, he said.

Negotiating sessions are set for March 14 and March 19.