CAHOKIA INTENT TO STRIKE

[crusader_of_90]

The Cahokia Federation of Teachers, Local 1272 filed a 10-day notice to strike, setting a potential walkout for Friday, September 25, 2026, as reported by Fox 2 Now.

Strike Details

• • Union: Local 1272 represents about 400 teachers and staff.
  • District: Cahokia Unit School District 187.
  • Deadline: Classes will stop on September 25, 2026, if no new deal is reached.

 

[cigaros]

Yet another moment in which the adult teachers show the students they don't really care about them.

 

[4Afan]

My question with a lot of these strikes is, couldn't these discussions have happened over the summer and should a strike be the result it push back the first day of classes rather than doing it a month into the school year?

 

[crusader_of_90]

TOTAL leverage move to do it now. Thing is, last year, they had no contract. The current offer includes five percent for last year and five percent this year and another step up after. The Union approved it, but they stoked the Membership so much that they voted it down.

Some shenanigans are going on with OT and PTO at the district level that LOOKS AWFUL, but those folks had it lawyered ... looks bad is not illegal. But the rank and file do not care.

 

[PowerI66]

My question with a lot of these strikes is, couldn't these discussions have happened over the summer and should a strike be the result it push back the first day of classes rather than doing it a month into the school year?

I'm willing to bet they have been negotiating for close to 2 years

 

[Anon430504]

It brings back bad memories from when for years Richards/Eisenhower/Shepard would go on strike. In fact in 1984 those 3 schools only played 4 games. Then Oak Forest/Hilkcrest/Bremen/Tinley Park would always strike too. CPS strikes in 83 where Tilden was the only CPS to qualify & made a great run & 87 where Lane Tech was the only CPS to get in. They had a GREAT team but were so beat up playing so many games in short days Mt.Carmel barely beat them in round 1. Marshall Illinois I recall went on strike years ago & forfeit round 1 playoff game & A strike over a year killed Homer High School & the town was never the same. East St Louis lost games to strikes too especially in 82. Teachers using the kids

 

[CoachAgro95]

Yet another moment in which the adult teachers show the students they don't really care about them.

Tell me you are not a teacher without saying you are not a teacher. I don't know the whole situation at this district but often times teachers are working without a contract because they don't want to strike. Do you know of many businesses that would work with someone without a contract? Saying they don't care about kids is a major gaslighting of people who often do way more than expected and spend their own money to help kids. I keep a stash of snacks in my desk for kids that are in need. Not to say that that is a huge sacrifice but if my district went on strike, I would certainly hope people would know that many of us do care for our students in spite of trying to improve our situation.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

These are never good situations. I feel for teachers in this spot because it really is a no win situation. Strike and get demeaned for it by folks who are not fully aware of what has transpired. Don't strike/work without contract and possibly get screwed on contract. My statement is more general and not specific to this situation as I do not have knowledge of what is truly happening. But having a spouse that had to contemplate striking, it was not an easy decision nor was it taken lightly.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Yet another moment in which the adult teachers show the students they don't really care about them.

I agree with you a lot bud, but I cannot agree here.

Just say you don't like unions, but know nothing about teachers unions. Your statement is not accurate and should not be promoted, imo.

It would make more sense to say every parent who drops their kids off at school in the morning, every parent who doesn't attend a single Parent/Teacher event, every parent who doesn't spend any time in their kids classrooms, every parent who only chooses a school for athletics, plus every person, parents included, who work in a professional field that is not teaching, plus anyone who keeps voting the way we have for the past 5 or 6 major elections are the one's who don't really care about students/children.

I don't know a single teacher who's told me they went in to teaching for the money... because we'd all laugh and ask if they were sane... But they deserve to be compensated. The teachers themselves didn't create the unions, nor do they hold the power you may think they do. That's all I have to say.

Edit: I should have also mentioned, cigaros, you are absolutely entitled to your opinion and beliefs on this subject. I wasn't condemning you as a person, I just think your comment comes from a place of ignorance towards the subject matter. That's all. I don't want a heated discussion with you over this. You have your opinion, I stated mine. I'll leave it at that good sir!

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

The Cahokia Federation of Teachers, Local 1272 filed a 10-day notice to strike, setting a potential walkout for Friday, September 25, 2026, as reported by Fox 2 Now.

Strike Details

• • Union: Local 1272 represents about 400 teachers and staff.
  • District: Cahokia Unit School District 187.
  • Deadline: Classes will stop on September 25, 2026, if no new deal is reached.

 

[cigaros]

Tell me you are not a teacher without saying you are not a teacher. I don't know the whole situation at this district but often times teachers are working without a contract because they don't want to strike. Do you know of many businesses that would work with someone without a contract? Saying they don't care about kids is a major gaslighting of people who often do way more than expected and spend their own money to help kids. I keep a stash of snacks in my desk for kids that are in need. Not to say that that is a huge sacrifice but if my district went on strike, I would certainly hope people would know that many of us do care for our students in spite of trying to improve our situation.

You are correct. I am not a teacher. But I did go to private school where teachers abide by their agreements. And administrations do not break their agreements. At least not where I went. Furthermore, most school districts are run by former teachers who went into administration. So my comment is accurate as both sides, the adults, are showing the kids they don’t really care about them. let it not be forgotten, public schools are paid by the public taxpayer. You think that I’m attacking teachers. I’m attacking their business sense. Not their aptitude of teaching. You weren’t the main character of this topic. You are merely a commentator, as am I. But I recall from grades K through six having to delay, summer vacations, my family planned because the teachers went on strike so frequently. That didn’t happen when I went to private school. Probably because he administration and the teachers agreed they actually care about the kids and acted in such a manner.

I agree with you a lot bud, but I cannot agree here.

Just say you don't like unions, but know nothing about teachers unions. Your statement is not accurate and should not be promoted, imo.

It would make more sense to say every parent who drops their kids off at school in the morning, every parent who doesn't attend a single Parent/Teacher event, every parent who doesn't spend any time in their kids classrooms, every parent who only chooses a school for athletics, plus every person, parents included, who work in a professional field that is not teaching, plus anyone who keeps voting the way we have for the past 5 or 6 major elections are the one's who don't really care about students/children.

I don't know a single teacher who's told me they went in to teaching for the money... because we'd all laugh and ask if they were sane... But they deserve to be compensated. The teachers themselves didn't create the unions, nor do they hold the power you may think they do. That's all I have to say.

Edit: I should have also mentioned, cigaros, you are absolutely entitled to your opinion and beliefs on this subject. I wasn't condemning you as a person, I just think your comment comes from a place of ignorance towards the subject matter. That's all. I don't want a heated discussion with you over this. You have your opinion, I stated mine. I'll leave it at that good sir!as well,

You, as well, are also correct. I hate unions in the public sector. I don’t mind them in the private sector. I still don’t like them. But I despise them when it is the American taxpayer who suffers financially and service wise when a public sector role goes on strike.

 

[cigaros]

Maybe I should’ve said it louder… Public sector unions are antithetical to proper stewardship of public funds. And One only needs to look at the current financial situation of the state of Illinois as the example of improper stewardship of public funds as we have the highest pension debt and future commitment per capita in the entire nation.

 

[cigaros]

Maybe I should’ve said it louder… Public sector unions are antithetical to proper stewardship of public funds. And One only needs to look at the current financial situation of the state of Illinois as the example of improper stewardship of public funds as we have the highest pension obligation per capita in the country.

 

[SouthofI80Fan]

Mahomet-Seymour is also looking to strike.

 

[cigaros]

Notice how they never strike in February

 

[Kevin JCHS 1981]

NY Times study​

Blue states with strong teachers’ unions have lower student literacy levels: study shows.​

NY Time Study on Teachers Unions

 

[4Anorth(not4aFan)]

There have been 58 walkouts since 2010. There were 188 intents to strike in that same time,so it seems most are resolved before walkouts. There were 0 walkouts in 2025.
Cahokia teachers worked the 2025-2026 school year and this current year without a contract.

 

[PowerI66]

Notice how they never strike in February

Gee, I wonder if that is because the school year starts in August...

 

[crusader_of_90]

The McCalls have controlled Cahokia for generations. Bro-in-law Chris Belt provides some Springfield coverage too.

Nicholas Schumacher

Here’s another eye-opening message from a so-called leader in the Cahokia Heights community. Tell me he’s a qualified leader https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1LcNtSQLwF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

www.facebook.com

 

[GMAN81]

This thread will be flushed before lunch today.

 

[oldfan123]

Gee, I wonder if that is because the school year starts in August...

Basketball

 

[crusader_of_90]

This thread will be flushed before lunch today.

Why? That is the Superintendent speaking officially.

 

[CoachAgro95]

You are correct. I am not a teacher. But I did go to private school where teachers abide by their agreements. And administrations do not break their agreements. At least not where I went. Furthermore, most school districts are run by former teachers who went into administration. So my comment is accurate as both sides, the adults, are showing the kids they don’t really care about them. let it not be forgotten, public schools are paid by the public taxpayer. You think that I’m attacking teachers. I’m attacking their business sense. Not their aptitude of teaching. You weren’t the main character of this topic. You are merely a commentator, as am I. But I recall from grades K through six having to delay, summer vacations, my family planned because the teachers went on strike so frequently. That didn’t happen when I went to private school. Probably because he administration and the teachers agreed they actually care about the kids and acted in such a manner.

You are correct. I am not a teacher. But I did go to private school where teachers abide by their agreements. And administrations do not break their agreements. At least not where I went. Furthermore, most school districts are run by former teachers who went into administration. So my comment is accurate as both sides, the adults, are showing the kids they don’t really care about them. let it not be forgotten, public schools are paid by the public taxpayer. You think that I’m attacking teachers. I’m attacking their business sense. Not their aptitude of teaching. You weren’t the main character of this topic. You are merely a commentator, as am I. But I recall from grades K through six having to delay, summer vacations, my family planned because the teachers went on strike so frequently. That didn’t happen when I went to private school. Probably because he administration and the teachers agreed they actually care about the kids and acted in such a manner.

You say you aren't attacking teachers but your statement is literally saying that teachers don't care about kids. You are at least insulting teachers. Are there teachers/administrators that don't care, definitely. But striking isn't about caring/not caring, it is about protecting your own family and asking for better terms. My family comes first before anyone and I don't think anyone is selfish or uncaring for doing so.

My example was not to make myself a "main character" but to give you one of what could be tons of examples proving your statement false. I am part of the union even though I don't always agree with it. It is unfortunately needed to protect teachers against administration that may have a beef with you and looks for anything they can to "get you" and fire you. I have experienced this first hand as I was targeted by admin and fortunately was saved by my union.

I ask, what is your solution? Teachers are taxpayers as well and don't want our funds misused either, so if unions don't allow for proper use of tax dollars how would you protect good teachers and see them fairly compensated?

Also, realize that if a strike occurs, there is no agreement that is getting broken. There is no contract that suits either side and therefore a strike is engaged. As I mentioned before, many districts, including both districts I have taught in, went multiple years without a new contract.

I get your displeasure with the idea of unions for public entities and groups like police cannot strike IIRC but if there is a "Blue Flu" during a contract dispute, do the cops no longer care about the public?

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Upset with the state you choose to live in and how it's governed, upset that the state has failed the public schools, but blame the teachers in the classrooms for demanding proper compensation and benefits for not caring enough about their students. Just unbelievable man... You're dead wrong about it being teachers not caring, you're directing your anger and ignorance about the topic at the wrong people imo. Trash response man, smh. I think we can gather which side of the school lunch discussion you're on... but it's all about the kids and clearly you care about them the most...

 

[AmbroseBlack]

NY Times study​

Blue states with strong teachers’ unions have lower student literacy levels: study shows.​

NY Time Study on Teachers Unions

https://usafacts.org/articles/which-states-have-the-highest-and-lowest-adult-literacy-rates/

 

[ramblinman reborn]

As someone who attended private schools from 1st grade through college and who sent three kids to private schools from K through grade 12, I don't know very much about teacher unions, and I have a few honest questions:

1. Can a public school teacher choose not to belong to his/her union?
2. If the answer to the above is yes, are there social consequences for that teacher from his/her peers who are union members?
3. Are there school districts without teacher unions?
4. When a school district must make budget cuts and lay off staff, how can the union look at parents and kids and taxpayers in the eyes and say that it is okay protect a long-time teacher with poor performance reviews while letting go of a highly effective and dedicated newer teacher earning less salary?
5. Since public school districts operate as a tax-funded monopoly where parents often have no realistic educational alternative for their children, what controls are in place to prevent a teacher union from prioritizing its members' demands over the public’s financial and educational interests?
6. Due process is needed to protect against arbitrary firing, but the legal cost and time required to dismiss an ineffective tenured teacher union member often results in the district taking the path of least resistance and keeping that teacher in the classroom. At what point does protecting an ineffective union member’s job security become secondary to the educational needs of the students in that classroom?

 

[SiuCubFan8]

As someone who attended private schools from 1st grade through college and who sent three kids to private schools from K through grade 12, I don't know very much about teacher unions, and I have a few honest questions:

1. Can a public school teacher choose not to belong to his/her union?
2. If the answer to the above is yes, are there social consequences for that teacher from his/her peers who are union members?
3. Are there school districts without teacher unions?
4. When a school district must make budget cuts and lay off staff, how can the union look at parents and kids and taxpayers in the eyes and say that it is okay protect a long-time teacher with poor performance reviews while letting go of a highly effective and dedicated newer teacher earning less salary?
5. Since public school districts operate as a tax-funded monopoly where parents often have no realistic educational alternative for their children, what controls are in place to prevent a teacher union from prioritizing its members' demands over the public’s financial and educational interests?
6. Due process is needed to protect against arbitrary firing, but the legal cost and time required to dismiss an ineffective tenured teacher union member often results in the district taking the path of least resistance and keeping that teacher in the classroom. At what point does protecting an ineffective union member’s job security become secondary to the educational needs of the students in that classroom?

1. Yes
2. I am sure you can find instances of that.
3. Traditional K-12, I do not think so...maybe small downstate districts but it would be a outlier.
4. Valid point but anytime there are layoffs in any organization there are curious decisions. Not saying it is right or wrong but life isn't fair.
5. Isn't that why they negotiate?
6. I think this is an unintended consequence of the tenure. At least from my experience the good teachers would want the poor tenured ones gone if they deserve it.

 

[CoachAgro95]

As someone who attended private schools from 1st grade through college and who sent three kids to private schools from K through grade 12, I don't know very much about teacher unions, and I have a few honest questions:

1. Can a public school teacher choose not to belong to his/her union?
2. If the answer to the above is yes, are there social consequences for that teacher from his/her peers who are union members?
3. Are there school districts without teacher unions?
4. When a school district must make budget cuts and lay off staff, how can the union look at parents and kids and taxpayers in the eyes and say that it is okay protect a long-time teacher with poor performance reviews while letting go of a highly effective and dedicated newer teacher earning less salary?
5. Since public school districts operate as a tax-funded monopoly where parents often have no realistic educational alternative for their children, what controls are in place to prevent a teacher union from prioritizing its members' demands over the public’s financial and educational interests?
6. Due process is needed to protect against arbitrary firing, but the legal cost and time required to dismiss an ineffective tenured teacher union member often results in the district taking the path of least resistance and keeping that teacher in the classroom. At what point does protecting an ineffective union member’s job security become secondary to the educational needs of the students in that classroom?

1. Yes
2. As I understand it, if you are not part of the union you still have the same protections and benefits but cannot vote in union decisions or run for office within the union. Socially, you may be a bit ostracized (what I noticed in one district but not sure of others).
3. Unsure
4. This is one of my biggest beefs. I have seen bad teachers be protected or some allowed to resign when they should have been fired. I blame fear of litigation for this as well.
5. I am not sure if you could say that school board's and superintendents act as a possible control.
6. As mentioned in #4, I hate that bad teachers are protected. I don't know if being able to more easily fire bad teachers and protect good teachers is like having your cake and eating it too?

 

[SiuCubFan8]

At the end of the day I think it's extremely lazy to just blame teachers when a strike is threatened or happens, especially when not involved in the details of the actual situation.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

As someone who attended private schools from 1st grade through college and who sent three kids to private schools from K through grade 12, I don't know very much about teacher unions, and I have a few honest questions:

1. Can a public school teacher choose not to belong to his/her union?
2. If the answer to the above is yes, are there social consequences for that teacher from his/her peers who are union members?
3. Are there school districts without teacher unions?
4. When a school district must make budget cuts and lay off staff, how can the union look at parents and kids and taxpayers in the eyes and say that it is okay protect a long-time teacher with poor performance reviews while letting go of a highly effective and dedicated newer teacher earning less salary?
5. Since public school districts operate as a tax-funded monopoly where parents often have no realistic educational alternative for their children, what controls are in place to prevent a teacher union from prioritizing its members' demands over the public’s financial and educational interests?
6. Due process is needed to protect against arbitrary firing, but the legal cost and time required to dismiss an ineffective tenured teacher union member often results in the district taking the path of least resistance and keeping that teacher in the classroom. At what point does protecting an ineffective union member’s job security become secondary to the educational needs of the students in that classroom?

I think you should take these questions to your next school board meeting. Seriously, they'd probably love to discuss this with you... they should WANT to discuss this with you. If not, well then find some new school board members with your next vote.

I am also a private school person, K-12 myself, my kids are attending private. I don't believe because the teachers in private schools don't strike that they care more about their students than a public school teacher.

Why should I care though? Well my tax dollars are funding public schools that my kids will never attend... and I'm ok with that.

What is the average salary for a teacher in the state of Illinois?
Do you find this to be fair compensation?
Do you believe compensation directly affects an employees outcomes? i.e. low pay equals low output, higher pay equals more productivity

We know some facts...

75% of schools in Illinois don't have the full resources they need with many districts reporting they are operating at less than 65% of their adequacy and resource needs.

The fed is not supplying as much to the public education sector as it has in the past.

Covid relief funds (ESSER) are gone.

Does this mean we should withhold teachers salary needs, or demands to try and supplement funding inadequacies within the districts?
Would we allow this in the private/corporate/non-education areas? example: Healthcare, Banking, or industrial
What is the solution without taxation?
Do you agree that educating children should be the burden of the state/federal government?
Do we restructure public schools/education to a corporate capitalist model, or at worst a similar structure to that of private schools, and force them to provide for themselves? Would this work?

Edit: Because this is where I was leading with the last questions... Does the state of Illinois currently have too many public districts, most especially in the rural/non-urban counties?

Just trying to discuss, I'm not criticizing you and hope you can understand and see that. I find your questions genuinely good, and wish more folks would ask them to their school boards often...

 

[cigaros]

At the end of the day I think it's extremely lazy to just blame teachers when a strike is threatened or happens, especially when not involved in the details of the actual situation.

At the end of the day, which group of people are going on strike? And which group of people are suffering because of the strike? Parent doesn't pay child support and that parent is called a deadbeat. The court of public opinion will say the parent didn't do everything to uphold their financial obligations and thus, do not care. On the flip side, a parent receiving child support doesn't believe the amount is enough, though it follows the guidelines. So the parent of the child doesn't parent effectively while the child is within their custody and the court of public opinion will call that parent uncaring and a poor example. Now replace "child support" with "salary". Replace "follows the guidelines" with "pays per the agreed contract". The child still suffers. And the adults who are tasked with caring for their children are still failing. And let us not forget, it was the teachers who referred to the class as "their children" when they had their social issues they wanted to indoctrinate.

Nah, I'm not hearing the nonsense describing the assessment as lazy

 

[cigaros]

Upset with the state you choose to live in and how it's governed, upset that the state has failed the public schools, but blame the teachers in the classrooms for demanding proper compensation and benefits for not caring enough about their students. Just unbelievable man... You're dead wrong about it being teachers not caring, you're directing your anger and ignorance about the topic at the wrong people imo. Trash response man, smh. I think we can gather which side of the school lunch discussion you're on... but it's all about the kids and clearly you care about them the most...

It seems you've completely missed the point honoring the duty to which you've committed. Then again, in typical fashion, a public sector union member doesn't realize who the actual employers are. Good job on attacking the taxpayers. That's a good look. I just wish it was a bigger school district so Rochester could get bumped again so they can go win the 5A title against a private school which believed all of the press on itself.

 

[cigaros]

Gee, I wonder if that is because the school year starts in August...

So why are they striking in September? Usually when I negotiate, it's before anyone can be negatively affected by me walking away from the table. But please, continue to do the mental gymnastics on how the adults are not using the kids as pawns in their negotiation. Make sure you stretch beforehand. Sticking that double hypocrisy, triple negative, logical fallacy without moving a brain cell is tricky.

 

[USD24]

At the end of the day, which group of people are going on strike? And which group of people are suffering because of the strike? Parent doesn't pay child support and that parent is called a deadbeat. The court of public opinion will say the parent didn't do everything to uphold their financial obligations and thus, do not care. On the flip side, a parent receiving child support doesn't believe the amount is enough, though it follows the guidelines. So the parent of the child doesn't parent effectively while the child is within their custody and the court of public opinion will call that parent uncaring and a poor example. Now replace "child support" with "salary". Replace "follows the guidelines" with "pays per the agreed contract". The child still suffers. And the adults who are tasked with caring for their children are still failing. And let us not forget, it was the teachers who referred to the class as "their children" when they had their social issues they wanted to indoctrinate.

Nah, I'm not hearing the nonsense describing the assessment as lazy

Ah, the ole "teachers are indoctrinating our students". I was waiting for that nonsense.

 

[cigaros]

Ah, the ole "teachers are indoctrinating our students". I was waiting for that nonsense.

And that is why I went to private school. I could choose the type of indoctrination. The Jesuits like it when their graduates are productive and profitable members of society.

 

[PowerI66]

So why are they striking in September? Usually when I negotiate, it's before anyone can be negatively affected by me walking away from the table. But please, continue to do the mental gymnastics on how the adults are not using the kids as pawns in their negotiation. Make sure you stretch beforehand. Sticking that double hypocrisy, triple negative, logical fallacy without moving a brain cell is tricky.

Has it occurred to you that they attempted NOT to strike, and that's why it has been delayed until now? Do you know how labor laws work, and that you have to have legally mandated mediation before a strike can be legally authorized (and voted on by membership) in Illinois? Did you miss earlier that they have more than likely been negotiating for YEARS, including operating without a contract for a year?

When would, in your opinion, be the ideal time for them to strike? Summer break? Winter break?

You seem to have all the answers in your previous posts.

 

[cigaros]

Has it occurred to you that they attempted NOT to strike, and that's why it has been delayed until now? Do you know how labor laws work, and that you have to have legally mandated mediation before a strike can be legally authorized (and voted on by membership) in Illinois? Did you miss earlier that they have more than likely been negotiating for YEARS, including operating without a contract for a year?

When would, in your opinion, be the ideal time for them to strike? Summer break? Winter break?

You seem to have all the answers in your previous posts.

1. I operate without a contract. And I still generate revenue. That is why I work in the private sector.
2. What were the administrators and teachers doing during the summer or over the 14 days Christmas break or over the 5 day Spring break? Please tell us why the kids must suffer and the adults get to continue to receive 3 weeks of vacation + an uninterrupted 2 months paid by the taxpayers. Pretty sweet bennie package as well. The average full-time private sector employee would work 210 days per year, whereas the Illinois Dept of Ed requires 180 days per year of teaching.
3. I care more about the piece of rice which fell on the kitchen floor than I do about legal authorization to strike or mandated mediation. If both sides truly cared about the kids and they wanted to get it done, it would get done. Reagan fired over 11,000 air traffic controllers and we still have air travel with over 200 carriers operating in the U.S. And since the Dept of Ed was created, the US has dropped from top 5 to 31st in education worldwide. All the while the average expenditure per student in 1979 was $2,210 (adjusted to today $7,504) while we are spending an average of $12,794 (adjusted to 1979 as $14,439). Sounds like too much administration, too much pension obligation, and a whole lot of adults trying to explain how spending more would solve the problem when the numbers and stats prove it does not.

As for you last comment, thank you for the acknowledgment that I think and speak rather than emote and speak.

 

[CoachAgro95]

1. I operate without a contract. And I still generate revenue. That is why I work in the private sector.
2. What were the administrators and teachers doing during the summer or over the 14 days Christmas break or over the 5 day Spring break? Please tell us why the kids must suffer and the adults get to continue to receive 3 weeks of vacation + an uninterrupted 2 months paid by the taxpayers. Pretty sweet bennie package as well. The average full-time private sector employee would work 210 days per year, whereas the Illinois Dept of Ed requires 180 days per year of teaching.
3. I care more about the piece of rice which fell on the kitchen floor than I do about legal authorization to strike or mandated mediation. If both sides truly cared about the kids and they wanted to get it done, it would get done. Reagan fired over 11,000 air traffic controllers and we still have air travel with over 200 carriers operating in the U.S. And since the Dept of Ed was created, the US has dropped from top 5 to 31st in education worldwide. All the while the average expenditure per student in 1979 was $2,210 (adjusted to today $7,504) while we are spending an average of $12,794 (adjusted to 1979 as $14,439). Sounds like too much administration, too much pension obligation, and a whole lot of adults trying to explain how spending more would solve the problem when the numbers and stats prove it does not.

As for you last comment, thank you for the acknowledgment that I think and speak rather than emote and speak.

I feel you are touching on an important point about when government gets involved, things get worse. I certainly agree with that! As it seems you are in the business world and have compared public education to schooling, please realize that anyone (including school boards and admin) who think that running a public school like a business are inherently wrong. If a major restaurant gets a bunch of tainted beef from a producer, they send it back. They only serve what they feel meets their standards. In public education, we have to try to serve everyone. Those with a great deal of damage and missing ingredients are still expected to be turned into a viable product.

 

[PowerI66]

1. I operate without a contract. And I still generate revenue. That is why I work in the private sector.
2. What were the administrators and teachers doing during the summer or over the 14 days Christmas break or over the 5 day Spring break? Please tell us why the kids must suffer and the adults get to continue to receive 3 weeks of vacation + an uninterrupted 2 months paid by the taxpayers. Pretty sweet bennie package as well. The average full-time private sector employee would work 210 days per year, whereas the Illinois Dept of Ed requires 180 days per year of teaching.
3. I care more about the piece of rice which fell on the kitchen floor than I do about legal authorization to strike or mandated mediation. If both sides truly cared about the kids and they wanted to get it done, it would get done. Reagan fired over 11,000 air traffic controllers and we still have air travel with over 200 carriers operating in the U.S. And since the Dept of Ed was created, the US has dropped from top 5 to 31st in education worldwide. All the while the average expenditure per student in 1979 was $2,210 (adjusted to today $7,504) while we are spending an average of $12,794 (adjusted to 1979 as $14,439). Sounds like too much administration, too much pension obligation, and a whole lot of adults trying to explain how spending more would solve the problem when the numbers and stats prove it does not.

As for you last comment, thank you for the acknowledgment that I think and speak rather than emote and speak.

You have inadvertently found the missing piece to your puzzle.

You may not care about the law, but both sides are bound by it.

The rest of what you wrote, like your other posts on the matter, doesn't warrant a response.

 

[ramblinman reborn]

1. Yes
2. I am sure you can find instances of that.
3. Traditional K-12, I do not think so...maybe small downstate districts but it would be a outlier.
4. Valid point but anytime there are layoffs in any organization there are curious decisions. Not saying it is right or wrong but life isn't fair.
5. Isn't that why they negotiate?
6. I think this is an unintended consequence of the tenure. At least from my experience the good teachers would want the poor tenured ones gone if they deserve it.

I appreciate your answers. Thanks.

Regarding your answer to my 5th question, I suppose you are right, but negotiations under the threat of strike, or during one, necessarily means that the kids are reduced to being bargaining chips at best and pawns at worst.