CAT Tracks for April 26, 2002 DAY ONE

OFF AND RUNNING...UH...WALKING!

Members of the Cairo Association of Teachers began "walking the line" bright and early Thursday morning. Spirits were unusually high as adrenalin rushes were fueled by caffeine and sugar...the standard strike breakfast of coffee and donuts! Some folks were downright hyper!

Strike headquarters was quickly up and running as computers and copy equipment were installed and supply lines established. Picketers were greeted in the "usual fashion"...mostly positive support from passers-by. Not unexpectedly, there were a few reports of "abuse" and even one instance of an outright "attack" on a CAT supply vehicle. (Well, in fact, a bird "took on" a pickup truck, with the predictable result...bird meets windshield...bird loses! Hey, coulda told ya...don't mess with the CAT.)

On a more peaceful note...CATs at strike headquarters (Harper's Restaurant) began churning out the paper work required by a work stoppage...announcements, picket assignments, phone trees, etc. As noted above, maintaining enthusiasm was not really a concern on the first day, but you just can't contain the creative juices of teachers deprived of their "(Little)/Modern Red Schoolhouse". Projects were designed and implemented as everyone got "suckered", and I understand that survival kits are on the way! Since today is Friday - the end of the first week/unit, someone will surely design an alternative assessment for our strike/activity. Just don't anyone dare ask me to come up with the rubric!

The media made their presence known early and often and members acquitted themselves well...letting one and all know that we did NOT take this action lightly...NO, it's not fun...and that we will stay out AS LONG AS NECESSARY to accomplish our goal...A FAIR SETTLEMENT. As I mentioned at lunch yesterday, one strike sign said it all..."LESS PAY, NO WAY".

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Yesterday, you set a high standard of excellence. The "veterans" quickly dusted off the cobwebs and fell into "the routine". Like riding a bicycle...you never forget. And the "newbies"...the youth and enthusiasm...was I EVER that way??? Today, we simply build upon our success...and hey...T.G.I.F. It doesn't get any better than this! Well, actually it could. Monday COULD be whole lot better than Friday. For once, beginning a new work week...going back to school...could bring a smile to everyone's face!

SPEAKING OF NEGOTIATIONS...

The process is proceeding on schedule. The financial experts (the District's CPA and the IEA's Harry Vonhoudnos) did arrive yesterday to begin the task of finding "the number"...the long-sought, long-disputed dollar figure that represents the current financial status of the District. Only then will the debate of whether the money is/is not there end and the final negotiations begin! Best wishes to them, and we will keep our fingers crossed...which is much better than the "crossed eyes" produced by almost thirty (30) negotiations sessions over the past ten months! Stay tuned!

PARENT MEETING

Parents met at Cairo Junior High last night in a second round of meetings. The first meeting actually helped speed the return of the parties to the table...something that the CAT is always ready to do, but something for which the Board sometimes needs to find "motivation".

The CAT did have the opportunity to present its "side of the story" as parents asked questions about the issues involved and especially the timing of the event. Parents again voiced concern for the education of their children...especially those scheduled to graduate from CJHS and CHS on May 24th and May 26th respectively. CAT representatives echoed that concern and pledged our best efforts to accomplish that feat. (The Board of Education did not have representatives at last night's meeting.)

As a result of the parent meeting, a letter (and possible petition) is being drafted, expressing the aforementioned concerns of the parents...said letter to be delivered to the parties prior to the negotiations session previously scheduled for Saturday.

IN CLOSING...

Remember...picketing begins at 8 a.m. at all attendance centers and the District offices. "Dinner is served" at 11 a.m. at strike headquarters. At that time, you will receive updates and "marching orders" for Monday morning. C Ya!