BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Local teachers went on strike after negotiations failed between the Bellevue School District and teachers represented by the Bellevue Education Association, the teachers announced late Monday afternoon.

Despite a mediator's presence Sunday evening, progress was limited in negotiations between the Bellevue School District and teachers represented by the Bellevue Education Association.

Some 1,200 teachers, counselors and classroom specialists will walk the picket lines on Tuesday morning on what was supposed be the start of classes for more than 16,000 students.

"It makes no sense to start school and have poor have education where education is lacking in some way. And so we're asking for some patience until we can guarantee the education they get in the classroom is quality education," said Michele Miller with Bellevue Education Association.

School district spokeswoman Anne Oxreider said the district has done what it can and the union appeared to be stalling. She said it was up to teachers to make progress in the last few hours, but a lengthy negotiating session ended late Monday afternoon without a contract.

The two biggest issues are compensation and teachers' freedom to stray from the established curriculum.

"We have gone back and forth with some various proposals, but we're not a point where the two sides can agree on those things at this time," said Michele Miller with Bellevue Education Association.

The teachers want an 11-percent increase in pay over the next three years, but the district says there is no room in the budget.

"To offer them what they're asking for would really call for significant cuts in positions, in programs and for class size increases," said Oxreider. "I just know there's a sense that we want to keep working on this. We want to get somewhere, but I don't think anybody's predicting the outcome.

In June the BEA voted to hit the picket lines if they did not have a new work contract by Sept. 2.

Now neither side is talking to the other and so far, parents and students are supporting their teachers' decision but are hoping for a quick resolution.

"We really hope there is a compromise and it's reached quickly because there will be consequences for students, teachers and the administration," said Stephen Bronski, a student.

Though the school district says it's illegal for teachers to go on strike, the union says state law doesn't directly prevent teachers from striking.

Bellevue city leaders said they'll support an expanded Boys and Girls Club day camp on Tuesday to provide child care and could open two additional day camps if the strike continues through Thursday. Extracurricular activities such as after-school sports will go on as scheduled.

The BEA last went on strike 28 years ago.