CAT Tracks for May 24, 2002 BOARD MAKES WORSE OFFER

WHY ARE WE HERE?

Truly BIZARRE...the Board Team requested Thursday's meeting. They entered the room mad and handed us a new 4-year proposal that was worse than their frequently presented/rejected 3-year proposal. This was a totally counter-productive meeting...designed to worsen the situtation rather than resolve it.

In fact, the federal mediator opened the meeting by commenting on the state of affairs in Cairo School District Number One. He likened the situation to two trains on the same track...speeding towards each other. He urged both sides to reflect...to approach these proceedings with an open mind...to try to find resolution.

No sooner had the federal mediator finished his remarks...literally... than Board attorney Barney Mundorf handed us their new offer with the comment that he had "no expectations that we will resolve anything today." (So much for reflection!) Then, why did he request this meeting? Why would Mr. Mundorf drive to Cairo, cause the federal mediator and the IEA UniServ Director to drive to Cairo, when he knew...as stated in his opening remarks...that the CAT would reject this offer?

This proposal could have been hand delivered...as were the last proposals. This proposal should not have been sent in the first place...simply throwing gasoline on the fire. What's the point? And to enter the room with an "attitude", ignoring the plea of the federal mediator to be reasonable...they are out of control.

When we tried to reason with them...that it did not make sense to cancel the school year, throw away $50,000 when $34,000 would bring a 3-year settlement...they would not listen.

Total "face time"...12 minutes!

The Board team is angry and determined to punish the members of the Cairo Association of Teachers...that is why they keep withdrawing bad offers and submitting worse offers. They do NOT want you to accept a contract! If they disagree with my statement, let them offer another explanation...I'd like to hear it.

Not a literary person...but being a political science person...I can't help thinking about the observation that "Power corrupts...and absolute power corrupts absolutely." It is very obvious that there will be no negotiation...only retaliation.

PREPARING FOR THE INEVITABLE

Since the Board has clearly indicated that they will not make up the days missed due to the strike...even though the teachers are willing and the parents want to...we have some paperwork to do...paperwork that would best be done before summer vacation arrives and we scatter.

So...there will be a "meeting" on Tuesday at 3 p.m. (or as soon as you can get there) at Cairo High School to fill out applications for the IEA interest free loans. You need to BRING A RECENT PAYCHECK STUB to be attached to your completed application. Even if you plan on not taking the loan, you should come to this meeting and complete a form...just in case...so that the required paperwork with be completed for processing. I have been told that if you receive a loan check, you have the option of not cashing it...which voids the loan...with no penalty. So...it's best to have "your ducks in a row".

THE FINAL "DIG"

Well, I'm sure they will think of others...BUT...several people reminded me yesterday..."What about the annual prime rib luncheon?" No "last supper"? Maybe if we accept that 4-year deal...is that growl I hear your stomach talking?