Support the Children by supporting THEIR Teachers,

Come out the the Townhall meeting tomorrow night @7pm and learn a whole lot more.

State Bank of the Lakes
50 Commerce Dr.
Grayslake

The members of this BOE should be very proud. It's not often that such a few number of people get the chance to wreak so much havoc in their own community. This is really going to get businesses and home buyers flocking to Grayslake. Hold firm, BOE! You are doing a great job!

The board is a disgrace and embarrassment. You are now going to cost me untold thousands of dollars from my pocket as I must find childcare for my 4 children. I don't have the $ for that and now have no idea how I am going to feed my family.

Shame shame shame on you BOE.

R kidz dont need no scool

LOL, thanks for the laugh this morning. If you haven't learned by now, lies and intimidation don't work. I do find it hilarious that Sully, Brad, etc. claim to want actual evidence and yet aren't interested in any facts that don't already agree with them.

Education is about continual learning and critical thinking. The only way to think critically is to look at all sides of an issue to find the truth.

For anyone who wants to come and ask questions and find out the truth for yourselves, the Townhall meeting starts at 7 pm.

It will be interesting to see how many teachers actually support our children and the community by crossing the lines and actually showing up for work.

My bet would be, not many.

After reading the really poor one-sided journalistic style of the mainstream (NBC), I want to thank Angela Sykora for working hard to keep readers updated on both sides in a fair and unbiased manner. Your diligence and professionalism is truly appreciated!

SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS!!!!!!

The teachers accepted a reasonable solution presented by the federal moderator...the BOARD refused. Once again political "principles" above actual acceptable actions to take us forward, not backward. This school board should be ashamed... they certainly do NOT represent what this senior citizen taxpayer wants to happen!

SUPPORT THE TAXPAYERS!!! Go back to work!!!!!!!

Why do the union people have a fire over at Avon right now? I know it's cold, but they shouldn't have a fire going.

Gail, is the reasonable solution the union proposal of a 3 percent salary increase for two contract years? If the district has no money, they have NO MONEY. The rest of the country including the government ( I know GSA is for sure), is taking a 3 year pay freeze. What am I missing?

From my understanding a huge sticking point is the 6% raise the last 4 years of a teachers pay, once they say they will retire.Feel free to correct my following numbers-
a 26 year teacher says retiring in their 30th year- currently making 100k, by the time retires spike to 126,250- get 80% of that for life, the additional bump those last years cost the taxpayer an additional $630,000 if they live to 85(start at 25 retire at 55) on top of the 2.4 million the teacher will recieve for those 30 years. I am confident the state is going to push pension cost back to the district, what will be your property tax bill then? Private sector doesn't even get a watch anymore

I think the union agreed to the salary freeze, but are sticking on the lane and step changes. I think the lane changes are reasonable and the cost to the district minimal. The step changes though, have to come off the table. Every year I work, I am not guaranteed an increase (and never got one in the last 3 years), and step changes are on top of salary increases so in essence they still want a raise even accepting the salary freeze. That is the biggest chunk of the cost to the district.

Good morning, I can only imagine how difficult things were last night and will continue to be for all involved. I want to wish each peace through this.
I've followed this closely. I am just a old retired man who put in an honest day with each sunrise. Board of education, yours is a thankless job. Many come here and throw anger and hatred at you. Yours is the most undesireable position imaginable.
Thank you for not spending money you don't have. I see that there was an offer that may have been reasonable for the union but did it include money that wasn't there? I would bet so or it wouldn't have been turned down. You have my thanks for not giving more than there is to give. Your time and effort should be thanked instead of insulted. Keep up the good work.

Support our teachers. The BOE walked away, if they were dedicated to a resolution they'd have stayed all night to get it done.

Well said Hal!

When are the going to meet again? Are they going to meet before the weekend.

It was very disappointing and embarrassing to drive past the lines of striking teachers and supporters this morning
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They were chanting, waving their arms, starting fires, laughing, smiling, and apparently enjoying themselves. What could they possibly have to celebrate?

It’s difficult for me to view anyone as a role model and professional when you see them acting in such a way.

The message isn’t in the signs they carry, or the words they chant.

The real message to the community lies within their actions.

It seems to the folks on this site calling names (BB) and being inappropriate seem to support the teachers. Can we please have non insulting comments please. Please don't make fun of someone for simply stating their opinion.

A quick question. When did teaching (with any number of years of service) become a six figure salary job ( or 90s for that matter)? Has there been any consideration given to lowering the max and raising the low end?

Ok, challenge me this one batman. I'm being forced to spend a ton of $/day for daycare for my kids. By my calculation, 5 days is when I will have spent the SAME AMOUNT of the proposed levy increase.

Reality bites !!! We are in a time of great adjustment as our society starts the painful task of dealing with the fact that the gravy train has stopped. "Honey we’re broke!!!" Funding for everything from schools to every government functions will change. We spent years and years and even deficit spent and yes it’s true we still want what we want, but reality is about to crash down and the funding has reached its tightrope end.

CHOICES! Are we going to start to react like Europe and Greece? Or are we going to face the task at every level of government and get our financial houses in order? If you don't have it, simply don't spend it. It is just plain common sense, which these days isn’t very common at all.

It's so simple yet so many make this so complex, "WERE REALLY OUT OF MONEY HONEY" So every action we take moving forward won't be easy and might not be the path we would prefer to choose. All of our futures depend on people in our society starting to make decisions based on fiscal reality. Well it's sad but LIFE MUST GO ON, and so we must do as we must and let's start hiring to get the schools staffed and the kids back in classes.

The vitriol I just read is clearly one-sided.

Dear Dr.
Yes, I agree with you; you make a great point. However, when our leaders the BOE are the first ones modeling and leading on the name calling in their own meetings. It is hard not to follow, remember they are the leaders, and it is my understanding that their lack of teamwork and respect for one another is shameful at these meetings. As parents, we educated our children not to be bullies, and that is what this BOE do to one another, they bully each other. Yes, these are our elected leaders. I feel embarrassed, many years ago we arrived in Grayslake because we did not want our kids going to Round Lake Schools. Now, once again we are considering moving because the schools are embarrassing!

The board's offer was and is fair given the deficit and future projections. Expending any more than the current offer puts people out of work and directly affects the kids as classrooms will grow. There is over $1 million in deficit. Adding $1 to that is too much.

This was brought to my attention by my husband, that Grayslake Teachers Pay Scales is considerably lower that surrounding districts, including Round Lake Area Schools. Therefore, we need to be cautious that we don't lose a lot of good teachers and in return get what we pay for, the teachers that other districts don't want. I am just looking at this merely from a business and performance point of view. We won't see the impact from of this strike and negotiations right away, but it will definitely have an impact of real estate and re-sale values. It is too bad, this used to be a good community :( I am so sad!!!

I think the teachers should go back to work and just be grateful they even HAVE a job. If they do not like it, THEY should look for employment elsewhere. It's really that simple. Yes, it really is.

Why don't they have a union rep at the town meeting to give their side - then there really would be a balance of information. I was on a negotiation team that almost had to strike for very similar reasons and believe me when I say the last thing the teachers want to do is strike - remember they have families too and have to pay bills just like you and they are not getting paid while they strike. It takes a lot for a strike vote to occur. Also many of the administration make a lot more than any of the teachers and they usually have the same level of education. Since when did running a school district become such a lucrative job?? Lets look at their pay salaries and ask them to take a pay cut.

I remember when a handful of our professional, community supporting, student dedicated teachers called in sick and traveled to Madison Wisconsin in support of their union brothers and sisters.

I wonder if the Madison contingent of teaching professionals will reciprocate.

After all, it’s all about the children….

The photo on the main page disgusts me. Other people have Masters degrees as well. That photo suggests entitlement is okay and that is not acceptable! It's never been about the children as they claim but always about the money.

Tony,

When and who? Are you sure your real name isn't Michael Carbone with that conspiracy theory?

My son is in 3rd grade at Prairie View. He woke up this morning to find he didn't have to go to school. He is upset and saddened that he doesn't get to see his teachers or friends. He is worried about his math test on Friday that he has been studying for and if he's going to take it.
I can tell you all a few things for sure. I don't like getting woken up at 12:30am to a phone call from the school district stating that this strike is going on. I don't like seeing my son this upset about anything, especially school. I do think teachers should be paid more. After all, they are educating our children, who are our future. I know when I was in school, I put my teachers through hell. I get on my sons case if he misbehaves at school. He has an aunt that is a teacher in Deerfield. They make better money and Deerfield pays less in taxes.

I didn't think District 46 would strike. I thought things were hunky dory. I guess I was wrong. As much as I enjoy time with my son, I'd rather him in school. I don't blame the teachers for this. I blame the district and the union. Why can't they have better communication between them? They have known this might happen since July!

Thank you, Katie! Make it a great day for your son...he deserves it. Let him know that his teachers feel the same way.
The BOE has been preparing for this for nearly a year; positions elections, trying to manipulate their outcomes, infighting.
Deerfield is NOT a bedroom community. Residents there pay much more for their homes because they know the taxes are and will stay low. Schools get funded by business and commercial ventures.
When you move to a bedroom community, you have to know that the nice house will come at a price.

My wife and I have discussed this issue and driven by the strikers at several schools. I didn't see any specifically inappropriate behavior, or any fires. As for the issues, I agree that the board (unlike the Feds) can't spend money it doesn't have, so any increases to school expenses, whether in salary or other areas, will result in higher taxes. I know people always want more money - I do too! Unfortunately, I have been unemployed for almost a year, and my wife only works part-time. Not only is there an issue with people getting paid with tax dollars, but we just can't keep ponying up more tax dollars year after year. This is a long term problem that will require long term solutions, and the teachers and students are both getting caught in the middle.

Are you suggesting that if it is about the kids they should take whatever pay is offered?? These are well educated people who have worked hard for their degrees and should be paid accordingly - it is not entitlement it is fact - when you apply for a job they look at your education and experience and both should be valued.

Growing up in Grayslake, I have seen much. The schools were always a source of pride. When my children were in D46, my wife and I had trouble making ends meet although we both had good jobs. We cut back on spending and I got a second job to increase revenue. Now, the BOE could increase the levy to what the taxpayers approved, but they are intimidated by the tea party. So the BOE has no money and teachers have to strike in order to keep up in their own households. Now my daughter would like to move back to Grayslake with my grand children but will not because of the sorry state of D46 and the havoc that the tea party has wrought.

I wish people would stop with the "it's about the kids" rhetoric on both sides. It isn't, and it shouldn't be. People deserve to be paid for their work. The issue is purely an economic one - if schools were a private enterprise, would teachers be paid more, or less? Since schools are paid with tax dollars, I think we tend to overlook the fact that value is the issue. In a down economy, most people are not striking for higher wages, in the private sector, and when they do, bad things happen (see Hostess).

Tony you are soo radical - its a wonder anyone listens to you. How in the world do the teachers use the children as pawns?? They do their job and they do it well or Grayslake wouldn't be a desirable district. Are nurses who go on strike using their patients as pawns - then I guess we should get rid of the children and patients so they can't be used as pawns - yeah that a good idea right Tony??

Catalina,
If you think that teachers should just go back to work and be grateful that they have a job, then you don't know what a teacher does, no to many people on this message board. Have you ever been around an educator? If you think they just babysit, lets do a little math. How much do you pay a babysitter per child? Let's just say 5 dollars. 5 dollars x 30 children per class (more in some districts), times 5 classes x 180 days= 135,000 dollars. That's just a ballpark. That's not even including all of the curriculum work that they do. Looks like you're getting a break at the slight salary increase that they're asking for, and the step increases.

If you don't get it is not worth my time to explain, and I already gave you and example of your radical thinking.

This was sent to me from a friend of mine who is in local law enforcement. For him being a union member, I was surprised he made this statement....... "All I can say is what is said to me when I complain about my job. "You knew what you were signing up for". I get paid the same as these teachers and work twice as many hours and three time the days. I have not had a raise in 4 years... But I love my job and I am happy to have one... These teachers need to take themselves off the pedestal that they put themselves on... Your job is no harder and no more important than mine or anyone else's. Get back to work!"

Tony
You never did answer my question on how the teachers are using the children as pawns?? That is why I won't waste anymore time on your comments.

Let me get this straight. A stress-free job from 8 to 2 (try working in the private sector), a work year of only 9 months (but get paid like it was 12), full benefits, excessive sick and vacation time and then produce an inferior product (poor regional ratings and test scores). That sounds like a reason for reward to me. Bring on the voucher system and see how many parents keep their children in this mess. Unfortunately the unions will fight vouchers to the death to preserve their cash cow. Also, the most important figures for children are not their teachers, it is their parents.

I truly don't mean to be insulting, but the sign reading "I have a master's degree" and the message of entitlement it sends is simply, well, insulting...especially for those of us with advanced degrees struggling to keep our homes and pay our bills. Here's what mastersdegree.net has to say about our master's degrees: "Education doesn't make individuals recession-proof, however, as the number of unemployed people with college degrees, even advanced ones, doubled in the last year. That's an additional one million highly educated individuals who are out of work. Some experts estimate that the cushy gap between unemployment for the educated and the uneducated could begin to close, as undergraduate and graduate degrees become more of the norm in the modern workforce. Another factor? Those with higher degrees are often qualified for better positions with benefits, something employers have been reluctant to fill when facing economic pressures."

Per the district: The strike continues. There will be no school tomorrow Thursday Jan. 17.

Keep in mind; this is still a 4-3 school board.

It couldn’t be more obvious at least one of the “comfortable crew” has changed sides, or at least temporarily to get through the next election cycle
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I find it interesting how most of those who typically support the likes of Ray Millington, Keith Surroz, Karen Weinert and the unethical Sue Fecklam aka; “The Comfortable Crew” are now vilifying the entire board.

I guess you can’t blame this on Kip Evans, Shannon Smigielski and Michael Carbone alone.

If it were entirely up to Kip Evans, Shannon Smigielski and Michael Carbone, we wouldn't be having this conversation. The union would have their filthy hands deeper into the communities pockets. One or more of the "comfortable crew" has seen the light.

There's no doubt that most of our teachers in D46 are excellent at their jobs and that most love what they do. The problem truly is not the teachers or the BOE, but both tend to blame the other. The real problem is that the system that once worked is now archeaic. The state is broke, the taxpayers are broke, the teachers are broke, the key word here is broke...the public school system is broken and needs a major overhaul from the top down. Salary caps are needed. Administrators need to share the wealth with the teachers on the front lines. The state needs to stop enforcing unfunded mandates. The 6% raise when nearing retirement to increase pension amounts is legalized blatent robbing of the taxpayers. Everybody's pockets are empty, it's a lose lose situation. As long as public education is tied to property taxes problems will always exist.

Tara - you are so right!! May I say Amen to that!

Angela could you publish some of the recent votes - I'd like to seee if there is accuracy to this note regarding Kip, Shannon, and Michael.

A Strike Mediation Session is Scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday. School Remains Cancelled for the Day.

You can go to the D46 web site and look at the agenda minutes. I do know that when I looked at the vote for extending the Supers contract, it was split each time as the secretary was absent each time. (things that make you go hmmmm)

I want to say shame on the majority of people posting. It sickens me that teachers are paid as low as they are and there is an uproar if they ask for more. We're a country where actors and athletes get paid millions of dollars to brainwash our children, our kids glamorize the trash that Hollywood throws at them. These teachers helps us mold the minds of our kids and get bare minimum. I live in Grayslake, I've been hit by hard economical times like most people... but I would never say the teachers of my children shouldn't get "money" or that they aren't in this for my kids. These teachers care! My children come home with stories of how their teachers went above and beyond for them... My son, whom is a high school student and not effected by the strict, just told me today how his teacher gave him a gift card for Walmart because our family is going through a hard time.... it may not be a teacher from D46 but a teacher none the less!!

Get over yourself... off your high horses... and realize these teacher deserve the best for what they do.

Reminder - 7pm at State Bank of the Lakes, 50 Commerce Dr, Grayslake.

Townhall meeting to discuss the strike. Hosted by For Our Children's Future.

I have spent the majority of the day driving around in my work vehicle listening to the news. What is being reported it that the teachers have made concessions and agreed with the mediator. The Board of Ed refused to budge and does not appear to be operating in good faith. The news outlets had no problem getting ahold of the Teacher's Union Rep but was unable to get response from the Board President. As much as I do not want my taxes to go up, I would rather them go up to support a strong school district (which makes my property value increase) then have a undesireable school district that deters families from the area, hence decreasing my property value. To save a few hundred in taxes, I believe costs tens of thousands in property value. This is just one problem I see with the thinking of this board. This has got to be the most arrogant, self-serving and ignorant group of people I have never met! I am embarrassed to call this my community at this moment (I grew up here and went to these schools and have kids in them now) and will definately be looking very closely at future candidates who run for these positions.

It was 780 am. It was also on local tv news at places I was working today.

John, can you please reference the data that shows more money will improve the academic quality of the school? I'm not saying this to question your position, I'd just truly like to know. We can keep throwing money at the problem and constantly circle back wondering why we always need more money, or we can go to the root of the problem, which is that the system (nation-wide, not just D46) is truly broken. If you had a terrible ongoing stomach ache and went to you doctor for help, how would you feel if he kept throwing prescriptions at you, and you continued to pay for those prescriptions, but no disgnostic testing was ever done to find the root of the problem and the problem never went away?

This school District is far better than the school district my son was in when he first started school. There, they didn't care about the students. All they cared about was collecting that paycheck. Here, I see a completely different side of things. My son hated school. He would fight me every day in kindergarten and first grade. What kid at that age does that?!? Now, he's in 3rd grade and has been in D46 since 2nd grade. He loves school! I was happy to know that we moved to an area that had such a great school district for him. We moved from Woodridge. These teachers want their pensions. It's not in their contracts. I took my son to Prairie View earlier to get his gymshoes and I was told this by a secretary. These teachers deserve a bump in pay. If it means property taxes go up, at least you know its for school. Why not audit your local government and ask them where they're spending all of your tax dollars?

Can you define your postion of the problem? Without quality schools your community is not desirable to families with school aged children. I do not have data, but we can both google that and find it to be true. It is common sense that a good school district attracts young family who value their childrens education. I am not saying that those who choose to home school their children do not value their childrens education, but look around the country at communiities with good school districts and you will notice that the home values reflect this, even in this economy.

As far as the comment that was made earlier today that teachers are the fastest growing group of millionaires; I still talk to my 3rd grade teacher and she is no where near a millionaire. She has been retired for a few years now. She taught at Oak Grove in Green Oaks. I wouldn't ridicule teachers for any of this strike. It's all the union. The union forced them to. Thanks to all the wonderful political figures we have in this state, especially the corrupt ones, the teachers are the first to lose their pension. Why not the government? Why can't they lose theirs first? Greed.

John, trust me, I totally understand and agree that quality schools benefit property values. What I'm asking is how more money is going to fix this problem. There are many factors that directly affect our academic quality, which most use to compare to other better or worse districts when choosing a home. For example, Terri stated above "Test scores? Half the students don't speak English, but have to take the test anyway, many come to school hungry/ill-prepared/physically & mentally abused, district administrators refuse to evaluate students for IEP's because it could cost the district money." In Terri's post, I see a socioeconomic discrepancy with those communities that you are comparing D46's quality to. These children will not magically disappear from our schools once the schools receive more money. The problem is the way the system is set up. Why should a child that cannot speak English be expected to meet the same standards as his/her English speaking peers? When a teacher has to worry about a child being fed or abused, how in the world do we expect that teacher to focus on standardized tests scores? Our administrators are making 6 figures, yet refuse to evaluate children for IEPs because it will cost money. Why is this acceptable for any parent? How can any of us say with conviction that money can fix this. I am all for supporting the teachers, but something at the top is amiss and truly broken and the teachers and kids are taking the hit.

True, but the news is reporting that the Board of Ed states there is a 13+million dollor surplus that they have at their disposal. Please understand that they have this money via our taxes.

Deadcatbounce, I couldn't agree more, please read my earlier posts. Maybe we need to look at how the money we currently have is being managed, or mismanaged. We also need to keep in mind that the BOE accepting this deal would lead to about 28 teachers losing their jobs (rob peter to pay paul) because the money has to come from somewhere. Like I said, I support the teachers 100%, but this current scenario is lose lose. Skim the fat off the top (administrators), what's underneath is much healthier.

@ron, ha! Your comments are immature and it's quite obvious the bitterness starts with you.

John - seriously 13mil surplus? Where did you see that? I want to check that out.
Tara - last I looked they are down administrators already. 2 assistant superintendents 1 curricula director, and have lost principals. So how is it top heavy?

It has nothing to do with "cheapening our children's education. It has to do with not having the money to give out more money when there is none. THAT'S REALITY.

Where did the whole post go on someone reposting an email Shannon send to apparently dozens of people saying that "by the hand of god...." and "23 teachers will be fired....".

If someone has that email, can you send it to me? bradfaxton@yahoo.com

Now I would love to see that e-mail. Re-post and redact the email address. Or maybe email it to angela and she can do a story on it.... that is newsworthy!!!!!!!!

This is getting so ugly. Forget the strike, this ^ is what others see that turns them off from wanting to come to Grayslake...Along with the strike, & businesses closing, & properties foreclosing, etc. People are hurting; families, teachers, the elderly in our community, why go out of your way to cause more hurt? Our BOE are all volunteers. If you don't like what they're doing, stop personally attacking them and run for one of those volunteer positions. Same goes for teachers, if you think they've got it easy go get your teaching credentials and try doing what they do day in and day out. Nobody's winning here.

I want to support our teachers but there are reasons I just can't:
a. We cannot afford yet another tax increase as we already pay some of the highest taxes in the country.
b. With so many Americans being layed off and losing their homes our teachers should be grateful to have a job.
c. Teachers get a lot of half days tacked onto a weekend followed by some wimpy holiday on a Monday. My husband gets 2 weeks of vacation after 25 years on the job.
d. Teachers get nice long Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter breaks and the whole summer to vacation or perhaps pursue a part-time job or hobby.
e. Teachers are home well before 4pm when most workers don't arrive until 6pm or later.
f. Our country and state of Illinois are broke.
g. Grayslake alone had lost many valuable sources of revenue: Piggly Wiggly, Leiders, Mitch's, Pat's Pizza, Last Chance and others.
h. I'm perturbed that the teachers strike after theirs and the students long winter break and leave the parents in a bind to pay for child care.
I. These teachers need to realize that there are so many people who would love to take their decent paying jobs as they stand right now and I am one of them.

Teachers don't necessarily go home right away after school. My son has an aunt, as I have stated before at Deerfield schools. During the summer, they don't get paid. There are two options for pay, spread it out over the year or get it all during the school year. They don't always get home before 4pm., and those half days are institute days for them to do work. Where do people come up with these assumptions? Like I've been saying all along, I don't blame the teachers, I blame the union and the BOE.

Maybe all of you parents who have children in D46 should have your children go to a different school and see how great they have it here. I alone went to 13 schools by the time I graduated high school. I've seen my share of crappy teachers and awesome teachers. This district, from what I have experienced, has phenomenal teachers. Be thankful and grateful. What ever happened to communities that helped eachother? I thought that's how Grayslake used to be. That how Wildwood was when I was living there as a child. Maybe people should help eachother instead of ignoring eachother.

Wow...this was alot to read...I Love Teachers and the job they do..I thought the contract requests seemed reasonable...I think alot of anger may come from our tax bills..I know I am furious of how my taxes go up so much every year because of the schools, yet our home values have dropped. Why?? I can't figure that out...my fire district, park district, etc don't...but the schools?? I have lived in Grayslake for 25 years. I rented and did all I could to keep my kids in the same schools. Then I bought a home in Grayslake and could not wrap my head around why my kids were now in Gurnee Grade School Dist....but that is another issue. All the school district taxes are high...so high that I will move out of Grayslake when I retire...but like alot of companies, why aren't the cuts coming off the top....the CEO's...the Vice-Presidents, etc...they always talk about the workers, the union employees, start at the top...they make way more than anyone needs to survive...I never hear of their pay cuts or freezes! And what about this Grayslake landfill...wasn't Grayslake suppose to generate income from it? I was so aggravated to see the "new paved Intersections" in downtown and "Pillars" upon entering all parts of downtown Grayslake...really?? Maybe Grayslake could re-direct that "excess money" to the school debt and towards lowering our taxes. I know that may not be how everything works...but maybe someone can explain it to me because something does not seem right!

@ Dismayed ~ I agree.
@ Sully ~ I agree with you too.

This strike just adds the reason why the people that want to get out of here can't . Lets all just hope the Union doesn't win the battle and further jeopardize the stability of the Grayslake communities and the people are struggling to pay for the Unions.

Santo and Faxton. If you posted your real names, maybe you'd be a bit more humane in your dealings with others.

I have a completely different question. Can someone help me understand why we have 330 teachers for 4000 students and class sizes around 23? I know some specialty classes are smaller, but are there that many specialty classes? Thanks in advance for the insight.

Retirement is a whole new issue. The salarys get jacked the last 4years so that everyone gets a cushy pension also soon to be paid by us because of the great leadership in Illinois.

My full presentation can now be viewed at http://forourchildrensfuture.com/. If anyone has any questions please contact me. I will also be happy to come to any meeting you set up to discuss this in detail. Video of the meeting will be up later toady.

A special thank you to the teachers and spouses of teachers who attended. Having a dialogue is the way to find a solution based in facts, truth and mutual respect.

Have any of you bothered to reread what you have written? Some of you sound horrible. I fear that you have a child and they turn out just like you. No wonder our society is going to crap. It's full of whiney brats who point the finger instead of trying to find a solution to the issue at hand or take blame themselves. Why can't anyone open their eyes and see that they want this tear apart the community? I rent here. I love it here. I want to buy the house I live in. This is a far better school district than where my son was before. The teachers here are paid less than were he was before. His teacher, Mrs. Jansen, did not mention the strike to his class at all.

You decide.

Average teacher salary last year was approx. $60k. Teachers work Sept.-May. Give or take a week. They are off 2 weeks for X-Mas vacation and 2 weeks for Spring Break. They are off every holiday and weekend. (yes, we understand you bring your work home with you. So do a lot of people with your income) 16 sick days?
Sept-May= 9 months
Sick days= 3 weeks
X-mas and Spring Break= 1 month
we wont include 3 day weekends and holidays off.

We are now down to approximately 7 months working and an average salary of $60k @ 8hrs a day.
7 months x 4 weeks in a month = 28 weeks
$60K divided by 28 weeks = $2142.85 a week
$2142.85 divided by 40 hours a week = $53.57 an hour

It is a hard job, no denying. I don't want to pull the sex card but majority of teachers are 2nd income? If the spouse or partner makes $15 an hr., full-time, the household is pulling in about $100k. If you're single and making $60k and can't afford to live, you're well beyond your means of living.

This is a tough job but it is hard to see the struggle with these generous salaries. It isn't like years ago, when teachers were really underpaid and no one went into teaching to get rich. If you did, you were ill informed.

I know I will hear that they work at home, etc. We all do, to some degree. Whether it be physical work or the mental stress of work. How many people leave the office and that is the true end of your day?

Avg US salary is $45K. Is $60k fair?

Shame on them for using our children. I just hope this attitude of entitlement doesn't spill over to our children.

Look at the signs the teachers have. "Honk if you care about your child's education" Of course we do. This is holding their education hostage or is it an example of child that doesn't get what they want at the toy store because their parent might not be able to afford it and throws themselves on the ground crying. I would love to see these people survive in the private sector.

BECAUSE NO ONE HAS MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You sound like spoiled brats.

From D46 Board President Ray Millingon:

CCSD 46 Contract Negotiation Update

"The parties met today and discussed possible changes to their positions but were unable to reach agreement. The Federal Mediator adjourned today’s session. Both sides will be getting back together on Sunday evening."

There will be no school Friday.

I do have the money, but I'm smart enough to know that paying more doesn't mean anything. That kind of mentality is why are taxes are so high. Are you suggesting in other communities that teacher are not good because they get paid less? I work hard no matter what I get paid. I am not going to work harder to fund entitlements. I feel bad for you Ron.

"Most of them have more education than you have in your pinky." Seriously...what are you 8?

Why fix the problem let just pay more :) This conversation is ridiculous.

Ron, you should investigate outside of this District. Nothing extraordinary about the education in Dist 46. Its decent.
To tell someone to work harder, is out of line. You don't know their circumstances. They may have taken a pay cut, to keep their position. They may have lost their job, beyond their control. The teachers have a job. With all the time off that teachers have, if 60+K a year is not enough, they can find time to get a 2nd job. People are working 12 months out of a year and raising families on less than $60k. The average household income in Grayslake is $80k. You do the math.
http://www.bestplaces.net/economy/city/illinois/grayslake

Why do these teachers hate children so much?

You do all understand you are just fighting with each other. I understand this involves your children, but there is NOTHING you can do to change the outcome of what is going to happen NOW. The only thing you can do is be aware of who is running for the board in April and where the district is financially. I don't know where all this entitlement is coming from but the fighting is breaking up a community. How about we stand united and not be offended by what someone else thinks/feels/says/does. Guess what? This is Grayslake. If you want to do whats right, Rally with the side you feel and don't pass judgment on those who feel differently. THIS IS NOT A BLACK AND WHITE MATTER! Behind a computer is not where a voice should or will be heard. Go to your Town/School Meetings and make a difference for the FUTURE. The past is the past, whether it was right or wrong. Let's stop witch hunting and come together as a community. We can't have this happen in the future.

Strike Information Townhall

Where State Bank of the Lakes 50 Commerce Dr, Grayslake, IL 60030
When January 19, 2013
Time 2:00 pm–5:00 pm

Stop attacking each other!!! Period !!!

I know reality bites !!!

Please try to understand - it is important you try to grasp reality in this argument -- most of us want raises for everyone everywhere and 100% employment.

BUT

Reality, and we need to get this point we are in a time of great adjustment as our society starts the painful task of dealing with the fact that most families can barely make ends meet.

Mark my words in stone -- Raises today means real cuts tomorrow. "Honey we’re broke!!!"

Funding for everything from schools to every government functions will change. We spent years and years spending to the last dime and even deficit spent and yes it’s true we still want what we want, but reality is about to crash down and the funding has reached its tightrope end.

Ron, the numbers they listed today are what they are anticipating needs to happen to balance the deficit. It would still probably be 29 additional teachers to cover the contract the teachers want, which is what they explained in their Town Hall Meeting. People wanted to know what it would take to balance the deficit, they are telling us.

What has changed? They are adding to it, simply because people in the community has asked. They did not have the numbers at the Town Hall on what it would take to balance the deficit, only what the contract would cost in relation to the number of teaching positions.

WP, Ron is correct that the numbers have changed. It was a $1 - $1.4 million projected deficit shortfall at the Dec. levy presentation. I have placed a call to both Ray Millington and Ellen Correll for an explanation of the change.

This is forwarded, forwarded, forwarded copy of the board's most recent statement. However it clearly states that there was another one floating around that the author didn't want his/her name attached to it because it could ended up on Patch. So everyone should remove who sent this to them and just forward the board statement around.

My son has a friend who's parent is on the board. Take a look at what was sent to some of us via email:

Good morning, this is the boards most recent statement in full. We hope it continues to explain why our position is one of not being able to make any movement from our offer.
I am fine with you sharing this statement because it is public HOWEVER PLEASE REMOVE ALL OF MY INFORMATION FROM IT!!! SOME OF YOU CHOOSE TO JUST FOWARD AND THAT LEAVES MY EMAIL INFORMATION ON IT. MY PERSONAL INFORMATION WAS POSTED ON THE PATCH BECAUSE OF IT.
PLEASE COPY AND PASTE ONTO YOUR OWN PAGE AND SEND. DO NOT SIMPLY FORWARD!
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

The school board recognizes the community would like to see the strike issue resolved for both the staff and the students....This offer gives some compensation increase to our outstanding teachers, while maintaining their excellent benefits and attempting to lessen the negative impact to our students.

Give them the raise they deserve. Three years from now the state will come in and take over. They will freeze everyones salary for years. They will also clean house and unload employees. They will help administrators, teachers and board members.

Gotta love the unions. They had their purpose 80 years ago but this is 2013.

Did anyone realize the highest paid teacher in District 46 makes over $100,000? Now, he has been with the district for 30 plus years but he teaches physical education??? Think about that for a second; work 10 months a year, have summers off, teach kids how to play dodge ball, and make 6 figures. WHERE DO I SIGN UP FOR THAT POSITION!!!!!!!!!!!

300! This is SPARTA!!!

Michael Carbone is already going by an assumed name. His real name is Michael Jorudd. An excerpt from the Sun Times: http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/15966816-505/lake-county-candidate-has-other-name-in-his-past-as-well-as-a-handful.html
For most of his life — including at Antioch High School, where he graduated — he was known as Michael Jorudd. Under that name, he racked up criminal arrests and charges that include driving on a suspended license, criminal trespass to property, assault and two DUI charges. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Carbone insisted that the fact he’s now using a different name doesn’t mean he’s trying to hide anything. “We went through the process, and I came up victorious every time,” he said of his bouts with the law. “I was young, a different age. People aren’t perfect. I never said I was perfect. I am not a perfect person.”

Yeah. No kidding.

Grayslake Parent,
Please don't stereotype physical education teachers! Not all physical education teachers teach dodge ball. As a physical education teacher I teach my students how to live a healthy lifestyle and that physical activity is important for a lifetime. Just like any other subject area you have to teach the fundamentals of living healthy when children are young. If not your going to keep adding to the obesity problem in our country. Yes we play games but with a purpose. The physical education teachers at my children school in D46 are doing a great job. May be you feel the way you do because you had a bad experience in Physical Education class.

I have been hearing about many tales of support for the teachers. Members of the community have been bringing coffee, doughnots, and other food to the picket lines. I see many homes in Grayslake who have been opening thier houses for the teachers to keep warm and to gather during the strike. The community stands behind thier teachers!
Now on the other side. I understand things have gotten nasty at the last meeting with the union and BOE. Understanding is the someone spit in the face of Shannon. That is truely un-called for. We are better than this people. Keep it civil, Say your peace and try and still have respect for your fellow man.

Reminder - Townhall Meeting to discuss the district finances, a 5 yr contract proposal and must more data.

2 pm
State Bank of the Lakes
50 Commerce Dr
Grayslake

Yes

The presentation from today's townhall meeting is now available at http://ForOurChildrensFuture.com. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Why aren't you getting this Terri? Why does Lennie have to constantly say the same thing over and over to you?

Can anyone answer me this question??? Why do raises have to be "across the board" and not based on performance per teacher? I feel for both sides and agree there are good teachers that deserve salary increases, but I also understand that there is little to no money for this to happen.

As a parent I can see both sides I do believe that our teachers are the back bone of your future, the kids, but I also am frustrated with how the Union makes them go about things. Not all of teachers I am sure wanted to strike just like in Chicago but you are part of a Union and you do not have a choice. There have been some very good ideas posted on how to make the dollars work. I see where all of the teachers salaries have been posted what about the Admin staff. Just like in Congress if every principal and Asst principal, school board members would take a pay cut we would have money. Why should the principals, or school board member make 100,000.00 plus a year for their jobs. Someone said, send your kids to other districts and then we will see how good we have it. I came from a different district really for this school system. What really does that have to do with any of this. I do not think any parent takes for granted our district, we are just frustrated now. The property taxes in Grayslake are higher then some of the taxes in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff and oh by the way Lake Forest went on strike also. This really is not a one sided debate this should be more like a marriage where you have to learn to compromise with each other. We really just need our kids back in school where they belong.

School board members are not paid and they have perhaps the most thankless job in government today. I feel whether we agree with their view or not they are, or at least try to be there for the schools, the children and the community. There is little to gain by being elected to a BOE. Power on a school board, really, I don't think so but there is good sound trainiing for other levels of government. The training comes because these are the most controversial unpaid positions in the universe. Each can learn first hand that every issue has many sides and many views and they are never going to get it right.

So with that said do the best that you BOE !!! I really do feel your pain !!! As you know I've been there and no one in the end will be happy. BUT whatever you end up deciding -- please don't deficit spend. I understand the budget and I really don't want to see class sizes go up or teachers & staff laid off next year because we spent too much this year. If you think the community is mad this year, next year will be worse for the new board members so please get your fiscal house on target.

It is my experienced view that a forced budget cut next year would hurt the children and the community even more than the stirke does today. That is regardless of all of these emotional, heart felt thoughts & perhaps a few too many troubling and angry arguments as well.

Is there going to be school Tuesday?

Wonderful... I hope I don't get woken up by a phone call at 12:30am again...

An updated statement is on D46 website. They are still in session. Board states it hopes to reach agreement tonight. www.d46.org

350 people showed up Sunday in the freezing cold to support the teachers of their district. That’s:
• 10 times the number that showed up for either of the For Our Children’s Future town halls.
• 10 times the number, on average, that shows up to BOE meetings.
• 5 times the number that have ever shown up for a BOE meeting (in recent history).
30 local business showed their support for the teachers by supplying food, providing parking, providing warming shelters, allowing access to their bathrooms, and donating cash to help teachers that might need it in a prolonged strike. Residual benefits went to local food banks through excess donations. That’s:
• 10 times the number of local business’s that spoke at any levy hearing.
• Equal to the number of attendants at any For Our Children’s Future town Hall.
• Equal to or greater than the average attendance at a BOE meeting.
Actions speak louder than words. I applaud the board for listening to the public. I only wish the silent majority had been more vocal at the levy hearings. It’s too late to do what the public really wanted.