CAT Press Release May 10, 2002

CAT NEWS
Cairo Association of Teachers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cairo, IL - May 10, 2002 The bargaining team for the CAT hand delivered a proposal to District Superintendent Robert Isom on Friday afternoon that, according to CAT President, Ron Newell, "should end the strike."

The Association repeated its concern that the District, under the leadership of Board President Joe Griggs, seems bent on destroying the school system to punish teachers. Newell questions: "How can the Board claim fiscal responsibility while throwing away $22,000 a day in state aid, alone?

The Board continues to use "fuzzy math" and out-right lies concerning pay raises to turn the public against its teachers. According to Newell, "The Board takes money away from its employees and then calls it a raise when it gives it back."

The Board continues to publicly attack its teaching staff. Today, the District began distributing a new trifold brochure from its central administrative offices filled with derogatory remarks aimed at its professional staff, in general. Even more disturbing, however, Joe Griggs, Board President, singled out individual teachers at a public meeting - calling them bad teachers.

According to Newell, "Such inflammatory tactics make settlement harder, not easier. Newell added that "When the Board wants this settled, it will be settled. Unfortunately, some Board members seem to have an ax to grind."