Public Growing Impatient With 109, Union

A number of the 250 people at the Board meeting Monday at urged the Board and the to find common ground in the ongoing contract talks.

Despite the public outcry, there is still distance to be covered.

Board members Steve Schwartz and Nick Begley, who are on the District negotiating team, gave details of the Board’s final offer presented to a federal mediator Thursday. Union President Dennis Jensen gave parts of his side’s final proposal. Parent David Cenek wants a deal.

“We’re making this far too complicated,” Cenek said. “I think this is the time for common ground to be found.” A number of people echoed Cenek’s wish for a resolution to avoid a strike which could be possible next month.

Schwartz acknowledged progress has been made e Feb. 10 and. The last move prompted both sides to submit a final offer to the mediator last Thursday.

The mediator must take those proposals public by Thursday when a 14-day waiting period begins before the union can take further action. That action could lead to a strike.

When could the two sides accede to Cenek’s wish and make a deal? “If we get closer,” Schwartz said responding to when the two sides might meet halfway between their positions on issues including compensation, benefits, special education and teacher evaluation.

Jensen said the union is not yet at a point they can meet the District halfway but hopes the time is not too far off. “I’m hopeful we can see a number we can live with soon,” he said.

Toward the end of the meeting after most of the people had left, the public had its second chance to comment. One parent wanted to know how much time she would have to prepare if there is a strike.

Superintendent Renee Goier explained no work stoppage could occur until the union gives the District a 10-day intent to strike notice as required by Illinois law.

“We’ll have at least 10 days to prepare after they tell us there is a possibility they are considering a strike,” Goier said. She stressed the notice may or may not lead to teachers walking off the job.

When it was time to explain the details of the District’s final offer, Schwartz explained the Board is proposing smaller percentage increases for teachers. Jensen told Patch after the meeting his group wants a larger hike than contained in the expired contract.

While Schwartz said the union and the District were closer on special education issues than other subjects, difficulties remain when it comes to the way teacher performance will be evaluated.

“We have done nothing since 1986,” Schwartz said. He proposed a committee of teachers and administrators to develop the model. “If we can’t agree we’ll adopt the state plan,” he added referring to requirements the State of Illinois will impose by 2016.

The state mandated requirements have yet to be drafted which is one of the reasons Jensen said his group will not accept that as a potential alternative. “We won’t default to something that doesn’t exist,” he said.

The District has posted its final offer on its website and the union published an outline of its ideas. Here is the District's proposal and here is the union's offer.