CHICAGO (MCT) — Chicago Public Schools and the teachers union began the day saying they were close to a deal that could return teachers and students to the classroom Monday, but gave little information subsequently as negotiations to iron out details extended well into Thursday evening.

The union’s House of Delegates is scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. Friday to discuss the district’s latest proposals. The delegates’ approval is needed to end the strike and put teachers back on the job, but the union was not saying whether the body will vote at Friday’s meeting.