As Strike Continues, D124 Parents Want Answers

Parents gathered in front of television cameras and news reporters outside of Central Junior High School as contract talks dragged on and classrooms remain empty. 

The Latest News: 

Tim Scanlon organized the parent gathering because he has grown frustrated with the school board's continued silence. He had hopes that a representative would be on hand to talk with parents Wednesday night. 

"We don't want to blame the school board," Scanlon said. "But we think they've polarized the community by setting up the strike in this way and not continuing negotiations in a fair-minded way. We need some answers." 

Sign up for Evergreen Park's newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Liz Larmon has triplets in eighth grade. She spoke of the dedication she has seen during her children's time at the district. She also spoke of the disappointment she has for the board's approach. 

"I have contacted every single one of the board members and I have gotten a response back from two," Larmon said. "They do not agree to meet with the parents. I believe that we are the taxpayers. We are the ones they are working for and they need to address us face-to-face."

As the strike drags on, many parents are faced with a difficult question: What do I do with my kids? 

It is a question that Amy Hadad, a working mother of three, wants answered. 

"What do you expect us to do?" she wondered. It's a question she thinks the board should answer, especially after not holding a bargaining session Tuesday night and scheduling the next one for Wednesday evening.  

Robert Dolan's wife Mary is a teacher's aide in the district. Paraprofessionals are part of the teachers union and their pay has been a point of contention for the bargaining team. 

He says she works full-time for the district and takes home about $13,000 a year. 

"She cares about these kids," Dolan said. "That deserves more than a 10-cent an hour raise."

In previous negotiation sessions the board has made clear their desire to not allow teachers to make-up the days missed by the strike. The plan for substitutes and volunteers to take over teaching on those make-up days does not sit well with Ray Richter, the father of six Dist. 124 students.  

"It's a problem when all these kids are sitting home and they want to make up days with substitute teachers at the end of the year. I will not send my kids to substitute teachers. Nothing against them, but they are not certified teachers."

The board has opted to make use of the district website to provide updates on negotiation sessions, including links to proposals offered.

Follow all of Evergreen Park Patch's coverage of the teachers strike by browsing through our topic page.