For the first time since Oct. 22, school is back in session in the South Butler County School District.

After more than three weeks on the picket line, striking teachers in the district returned to classes today so that students can complete their state-mandated 180 days of instruction by June 15.

Both sides reported little progress in contract negotiations that went on during the strike.

According to documents posted on the school district's Web site at the start of the strike, teachers are asking for an average annual salary increase of 5.9 percent, while the district is offering 3.25 percent.

Teachers also want to decrease their current monthly health insurance premiums, while the district wants to increase them. Premiums are currently $10 for an individual and $20 for a family, according to the same document.

The teachers say that their starting pay of $33,621 is the lowest in Butler County.

In the final negotiating session last week, the teachers union offered to come down to a 5.2 percent salary increase in a sidebar session. The disclosure of that offer led to accusations from both sides of a breach in confidentiality.

The two sides will now proceed to mandatory nonbinding arbitration.