GENEVA – If Geneva School District 304 teachers strike, they stand forewarned that if they picket on school property, they could face criminal charges, and if they obstruct anyone from entering a school building, they could be disciplined.

The Geneva school board voted unanimously at a special meeting Monday first to suspend its procedure for approving new board policies so it could immediately enact a policy to balance teachers’ First Amendment rights to protest with the district’s responsibility to students and staff.

The teachers union and school board are in a contract dispute. The Geneva Education Association filed an intent to strike notice over salaries and compensation. The earliest teachers could legally walk out is Friday.