CAT Press Release May 9, 2002

CAT NEWS
Cairo Association of Teachers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cairo, IL - May 9, 2002 The Cairo School Board Wednesday fumbled an opportunity to end the stalemate that has kept children out of school since April 25th. After 15 hours of bargaining over two days, talks aimed at ending the dispute broke off without an agreement.

"The school board has, again, snatched defeat from the jaws of victory," said Ron Newell, president of the Cairo Association of Teachers (CAT).

"We seemed to be on track for a settlement, but the board turned out not to be serious about offering a fair contract. It appears they don't care how much the parents and the children are hurt."

According to Newell, a major reason schools are still closed is that the President of the Board of Education, (Joe Griggs), seems determined to punish teachers, ignoring the hardship being placed on parents and children.

"No one teaches in Cairo to get rich," Newell said. "All we want from a contract is to maintain our current standard of living, but the Board's tactics seem to be aimed at beating up teachers and hurting the children in the process."

Newell said teachers remain prepared to return to work as soon as a fair contract is offered. He called on parents and the community to pressure both sides to get a contract agreement.

"Cairo has lost almost $200,000, so far. We can get that money back, but only if the school board acts quickly. The public must get involved if we are going to finish the school year," Newell said.

"Anyone who wants the children back in school with their teachers should call the school board members and tell them it is time to end this standoff," Newell added.