CAT Press Release May 18, 2002

CAT NEWS
Cairo Association of Teachers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2002 - Cairo, IL Cairo teachers today announced they would report to their classrooms as soon as possible, with no strings attached.

The announcement that teachers would, unconditionally, report to work, followed a vote by the membership of the Cairo Association of Teachers (CAT).

"We have decided that it's time to get the children back in school with their teachers," said CAT president Ron Newell.

"There is too much at stake for this shutdown to continue any longer. The children can't afford to miss more school and the district can't afford to lose state aid."

According to Newell, the school board will make the final decision on whether school days lost during the shutdown will be made up, but he said there are plenty of good reasons to have a full school year.

"By making up all the days, the district will be able to recoup more than $400,000 that would otherwise be lost," he said.

"The biggest reasons to have a complete school year are because the children need it and the parents demand it. The teachers are listening to the parents and the school board would be wise to do the same," Newell added.

The school board has been informed by letter (attached) of the teachers' plan to return to work. The board has up to five days to respond but Newell said he hopes they will act immediately.

"The teachers are willing to return to work without a contract, so there is no reason to delay. We are saying to the board; open the schools, get the children back in the classrooms with their teachers, and let's all get back to the business of education," Newell said.

May 18, 2002

Dear Dr. Isom, Superintendent of Schools:

The Cairo Association Of Teachers IEA/NEA hereby makes an unconditional offer to return to work to Cairo School District No. One. This unconditional offer to return to work does not constitute an agreement by the Association to the District's contract proposals. The Association stands ready to continue collective bargaining with Cairo School District No. One.

The teachers of the District are prepared to and will report to work at the usual time Monday morning, May 20, 2002 unless directed otherwise by you or the Board of Education. An immediate response to this offer is therefore deemed necessary.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Ron Newell
President, CAT

cc. Board of Education Members
Mr. Barney Mundorf

May 18, 2002

Ron Newell
President
Cairo Association of Teachers, IEA/NEA

Dear Ron:

The Board of Education hereby accepts the Cairo Association of Teachers' unconditional offer to return to work on Monday, May 20, 2002 at the regularly scheduled time/location.

It is understood that the teachers will return to work under the expired collective bargaining agreement. The Board is prepared to continue collective bargaining negotiations for a successor agreement.

Because the Association's offer to return to work on May 20, 2002 is an "unconditional" offer, the Board of Education shall not be obligated to make up any or all of the 17 workdays missed due to the Association's strike.

We will prepare a press release to inform the public that students are to report for classes on Monday, May 20, 2002, at their regularly scheduled time/location.

If you have any further questions, you should call Barney Mundorf, Board Attorney, at his home (636) ***-**** or cell phone (618) ***-****.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert J. Isom
Superintendent