CAT Press Release May 8, 2002

CAT NEWS
Cairo Association of Teachers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cairo, IL -- May 8, 2002 Cairo teachers came to the table today prepared to end the standoff that has closed District schools since April 25th.

After meeting 9 hours on Tuesday, the two teams returned to the table for another 7 hours on Wednesday…but failed to reach a settlement. In fact, the Board team made no new movement in its monetary package during the entire session, despite new concessions by the CAT.

Ron Newell, president of the Cairo Association of Teachers (CAT), said that "the Board seems intent on punishing teachers for engaging in a legally protected activity, and is willing to hurt children and parents in the process."

Newell said that "Teachers want to be back in school with their students, but we can't do it alone. The parents have to tell the Board what to do. We need the parent's help to get the kids back in school."

The Board is being advised by an out-of-towner who makes more money every day the children are kept out of school…which is hurting the children and the entire community. The school board needs to listen to the community, not an out-of-town lawyer.

Newell added that "If the Board wants this settled, it will be settled. We can be back in school within a day if the board wants the standoff to end."