The possibility of a strike by teachers is looming over the Parkland School Division west of Edmonton.

In a supervised vote, 87 per cent of the teachers who cast ballots voted in favour of strike action if necessary.

Contract talks between the two sides have broken down and there's no date set for those negotiations to resume.

An official with the union says teachers and the district are $2,000 away from a settlement, which would cover the cost of health benefits for four part-time teachers.

A statement from the district's board of trustees called Wednesday's vote disappointing.

"The board remains committed to settlement opportunities that could result in an agreement both parties would find acceptable," reads the statement.

The union – Alberta Teachers' Association Local No. 10 – can exercise its strike option any time within the next four months.

Either side would have to give 72 hours notice for a strike by the teachers or a lockout by the board.

There are 22 schools in the Parkland School Division, which serves 9,000 students on the western edge of Edmonton, the city of Spruce Grove, the town of Stony Plain and Parkland County.