Following several hours of negotiations today, the teachers’ union has announced they will move forward with a strike tomorrow, October 2, as planned. Here is an official statement from the Superintendent. Dear Parents, Guardians and Waukegan School District Community Members: We are disappointed to inform you that despite the ongoing negotiation sessions between the Board and the Waukegan Teachers’ Council Union, the Teachers intend to strike tomorrow, October 2nd.Therefore, I am writing today to give you an update on the facts of the matter—how we got here, where the negotiations stand, and what steps we are taking to get our students back to school. First and foremost, I want to reiterate that the Board is committed to collaboratively reaching a resolution that benefits both parties, while still maintaining long-term financial stability for the educational programs of the District. We value the tremendous work our teachers do, and firmly believe they deserve a fair contract. The Board remains dedicated to the federal mediation process and will continue to be open-minded and pragmatic in negotiations. At present, however, these negotiations are at a standstill over three major areas of difference: • Salary. The Union’s salary request over the next two years is high.The Board’s offer is competitive with the salaries of teachers in comparable districts. • Health Care Benefits. The District, which has historically provided 100-percent single health care to all of its employees, is asking that teachers share some of the escalating healthcare costs. • Employment Conditions.The Union is seeking to reduce the number of report cards sent home, the amount of time spent in the classroom, participation in after school activities, and the amount of professional development time required. We believe these proposals would be detrimental not only to the quality of the education our students receive, but to the communication between teachers and parents, which is so critical to the learning process. Please be assured that both the District and the Union prioritize the students in our care. Yet the District is ultimately responsible not only for the education of our students, but for the most prudent use of Waukegan taxpayer funds, and for the Waukegan School District’s fiscal health this year, next year, and in the long term. As the fiscal picture of our District changes— for example, revenue from property taxes has declined significantly in the last five years, contributing to an $8 million decrease in the District’s education fund—both sides need to be willing to compromise in order to keep the District financially solvent. Unfortunately, the strike is forcing Waukegan schools to close. The District has connected with local organizations about offering safe and affordable childcare options. The Waukegan Park District is offering childcare from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for $30 per day should the strike occur. The Boys and Girls Club is also providing programming for members. In addition, the Waukegan Public Library is offering programming. Parents can contact those organizations for further information. Updates on the strike and its impact will continue to be available at wps60.org. In addition, we have created an information line for parents and community members. Please call 224-303-1299 for daily recorded updates on the strike. We will also communicate through our phone and email system, as well as Facebook and Twitter, in an effort to keep you informed. We will do our best to minimize a strike’s disruptive effects upon our students and school families, and we apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause them and our community. In closing, thank you for your continued patience and understanding during this time. We are working with a strong sense of urgency to resolve this situation. Sincerely, Donaldo R. Batiste, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools
Posted on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 04:27:31 +0000
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