Teachers’ To Explain Stand Tuesday

Abundant opinions about the contract negotiations between and the teachers’ union were expressed and in response to Patch’s story about the gathering.

Both sides met with a federal mediator for another negotiation session Thursday with two more sessions scheduled Jan. 31 and Feb. 8. Some progress was made, according to school board President Ellen London and union member Amy Karasick.

People who wanted to hear from union members will have their chance at 7 p.m. Tuesday at More opinions will likely be offered. Between now and midnight Wednesday, Patch will be gauging public opinion on one of those issues with its latest unscientific poll.

The method of teacher evaluation appears a major sticking point. Union President Dennis Jensen said his group is unwilling to yield the right to collectively bargain the issue. School board member Steven Schwartz, part of the negotiating team, expressed the same firmness.

Many of Patch’s readers’ expressed their own strong opinions on the subject and now all readers have a chance to let everyone know how they feel just like reader Dale Anderson.

“The threat of a teacher strike, as painful and unwelcome as it would be is no reason for the Board to give in,” Anderson writes. “Who isn't being more tightly evaluated to ensure the level of service provided remains high?”

Jenny Siegel, who attended the Jan. 9 meeting, disagrees with Anderson. “Who in the world would sign an employment contract knowing that the way they will be evaluated will be changed by the board,” she writes?

Other readers, like Eddie Jacobs, strike a conciliatory tone for all sides. He urges caution and respect for everyone. He expresses everyone involved in the process has the best interest of Deerfield’s children in mind.

“Yes, there are significant issues that need to be negotiated, bargained, and discussed in a rational non-judgmental fashion,” Jacobs writes. “It’s not a perfect process and never will be. Negotiating in public is never a good practice. Don't forget the best contracts are the ones where neither party is completely satisfied,”