DIXON —The Dixon Education Association has begun the process to give it the option of going on strike.

Teachers have been working without a contract since Aug. 20, despite talks that began in March. More negotiations are scheduled for Wednesday and Feb. 4.

The union voted Jan. 18 to file an intent to strike, but that does not mean it will. The union would have to follow procedures, taking up to 28 days after the intent was filed, to initiate a strike. And even then, the school’s attorney believes, an impasse must be called before that clock starts. An impasse has not been declared.