Schools
Patch Poll: How Long Should 109 Talks Last?
Should 109, teachers negotiate continually until an agreement is reached?
When more than 100 readers comment on a story in less than 36 hours about an event attended by more than 600 people, it is time to gauge public opinion with an unscientific Patch Poll.
In the wake of a strike vote Friday by the Deerfield Education Association Teachers’ union and a response from Deerfield Public Schools District 109 Board President Ellen London calling the move scare tactics, more than 600 people attended Monday’s Board meeting.
A number of those at the meeting expressed impatience with both sides at the lack of an agreement on a new contract. The teachers have been working on an expired pact since August.
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“The community is saying enough! Get a contract written,” writes Dana Poncher. “This is embarrassing and insulting! Put this together - move on. Deerfield wants an extraordinary education for all our kids: high achievers, "normal" kids and special kids.”
Others, like Jodi Shapira, want more information. “I really thought we were past the ‘listening’ phase,” she writes. “I wanted specific answers to some very simple and direct questions about the BOE (Board) offer and proposal. I really felt like it was a waste of my time last night.”
Find out what's happening in Deerfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Special education remains not only an issue in dispute between the union and the administration and but one that evokes passion from a significant group of parents. Harry Steindler recognizes an agreement will eventually be reached, but he wants more teacher involvement with children with special needs.
“I want them (the teachers) to be guaranteed a place at the table when it comes to designing and managing the education of our children,” Steindler writes. “Along with that will hopefully come major changes in how special education is currently being delivered in our schools.”
