Public employees throughout Illinois are feeling the heat from employers who want a do-over on contracts with their unions. One such local is in Kane County, where members of the Kaneland Education Association (KEA) voted 3-1 to reject a proposal that they renegotiate despite school board claims that the state budget crisis made the last year of the three year contract unaffordable: 
School District officials in November made a formal request to renegotiate terms of the contract because of a projected $2.6 million deficit in the 2010-2011 fiscal year budget.
The district has presented proposed budget reduction plans that include cutting elementary band, middle school sports and high school clubs and coaching positions, as well as eliminating teaching positions and freezing administrative salaries.
According to a statement from KEA,
” … If the issue were as simple as ‘Taking less money so that students can have more programs,’ the KEA would have answered the board’s request 3 months ago with an answer of, ‘Yes we’ll take less money for the good of the kids.’ But this issue has been multi-faceted from the beginning,”
The school board expressed “disappointment” with the decision but shouldn’t have been surprised.
When bargaining teams spend months (and sometimes years) negotiating a contract, there is an expectation that the agreement that both parties sign is the agreement both parties will live under.
And what has really changed? There is nothing new or surprising about the state’s poor fiscal condition. The only reason we didn’t see this sort of pressure in local districts last year is because federal money flowed in to state and local governments, allowing members of the General Assembly to indulge in their favorite pastime – ignoring the state budget crisis.
KEA is under attack fro0m some in the community for taking this stand. Those folks should read KEA President Linda Zulkowski’s address to the school board last week
Our contract is a mutual promise and commitment in both good times and lean. KEA has always honored our promise to the district. That’s what a commitment is. It’s no fairer for the district to ask for an open contract in lean times than it is for employees to demand an open contract in times of surplus. Our response does not negate our commitment to move forward in a collaborative manner with the Board, administration and community as we all strive to do what is best for students.
Any IEA local feeling similar pressure should discuss the situation with their UniServ director immediately. The state association will support any decision made by a local.
The Kaneland school board, and any other boards worried about their finances, should point their fingers at the members of the legislature, who can relieve the pressure by passing HB 174, a bill that would generate needed revenue by raising the state income tax.
On Wednesday, there will be a Statehouse rally by the Responsible Budget Coalition, urging passage of HB 174. IEA is a member of the coalition. If you can’t attend the rally, you can still tell your legislator “I can’t wait for a responsible budget.”
Every IEA member needs to understand that the state’s financial situation is critical and is putting pressure on school programs, staffing and employee pensions. In the months to come, mass participation from members will be absolutely crucial in order to bring about the best possible outcome.
Please check the IEA Website regularly for updates. While you’re there, send a distress signal to your legislators.
It’s time for an SOS – Save our Schools, Save Our State.
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