CAT Tracks for May 9, 2002 NO SETTLEMENT...NO NEW TALKS

THE TWO STEP

The CAT tried to make a "significant difference"...coming down in its offer by $100,000...to end the standoff and get kids back in school. The Board responded with an additional $13,000 - the uncontested estimate of going to arbitration - for the first year and a STEP for the second year and a STEP for the third year. So...you are now at a PAY FREEZE, plus a half of a percent. That is NOT a step...THEY calculate a step at 2 and 1/2%.

Incidentally, we caught a break on the "STEP"...we had figured the cost of a step at $51,000. When they said they were only going to give us a step in the 2nd and the 3rd years, Steve asked them about the dollar amount, since we had asked for confirmation earlier. The Board team's response...a step cost $74,000! After a lengthy caucus, the Board team returned and confirmed our calculation of $51,000. At least one member of the Board team wanted to renege, but the Board's attorney indicated that they would stick with the $74,000 amount...although it shrank to $73,000 today!?

Negotiations began on a positive note...it actually seemed like they would negotiate. Unfortunately...just as they did during the marathon weekend session...after an initial move, they quit...finally saying that their initial offer was "all they had to give."

After seven hours, it was obvious that no further movement would take place. By mutual agreement, the session was ended and no further talks are scheduled.

VISITORS

PLEASE make every effort to attend Thursday's "noon meeting"...again...held at 11 a.m. The Vice President of the Illinois Education Association, Ken Swanson, has indicated that he will be present. IEA President Anne Davis called at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday to indicate that she also would make every effort to attend. Let's all be at Harper's to give them a big Cairo WELCOME!

GAG

Yesterday's CAT Tracks was very abbreviated...that's all you get at 2 a.m. However, the editor would be remiss if he overlooked a new "opening act" that made its first appearance on Tuesday...the Gals of Garrison! They showed much promise and caused "BOB" to call for "HELP!". Only time will tell if this new act will rival our established group for top billing. Do we hear any new groups warming up in the wings???

CATs ON THE PROWL

Walking the line...again...at 8 a.m. Will it ever stop raining?