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* UPDATED x1 * CTU claims it has won strike authorization

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*** UPDATE *** Wow…

Chicago Teachers Union officials revealed Monday that nearly 90 percent of their members have authorized a strike — giving them the largest such mandate in the union’s history.

The 89.73 percent vote to authorize a strike easukt surpassed the 75 percent margin required under a new state law — a margin that some backers of that law once considered virtually insurmountable.

[ *** End Of Update *** ]

* The education reforms passed by the General Assembly last year were mostly teachers’ union reforms. One of the most highlighted of those reforms was setting the strike authorization bar much higher for the Chicago Teachers’ Union. Well, the CTU surpassed that threshold, with some to spare…

A spokeswoman with the Chicago Teachers Union says the organization has “well surpassed” the 75 percent threshold to authorize a strike, with 100 percent of teachers and staff in some school networks throwing their support behind a possible strike.

Union spokeswoman Stephanie Gadlin said the vote tally will allow the teachers union to call for a strike next fall if contract negotiations break down. While the union has not decided whether a strike will be needed, the authorization by its members will give the union added leverage at the bargaining table, Gadlin said.

The teachers union will discuss the details of the vote at a 1 p.m. press conference today at its downtown headquarters.

In a released statement this morning, Chicago Public Schools chief Jean-Claude Brizard accused union officials of pressuring their members to authorize a strike. The school district had urged the union to hold off on a strike authorization vote until an independent fact finder could complete his review of the two proposals and issue his recommendations next month.

The last Chicago teacher strike was in 1987.

The unions warned everyone that teachers went out on strike a whole lot more back when it was illegal. This time around, the higher bar apparently just made them more organized.

* More…

A new Chicago-only law backed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Stand for Children and others switched the margin needed for any CTU strike authorization from a simple majority of all those who voted to 75 percent of all eligible CTU voters. That meant failure to vote amounted to a “no’’ vote. As a result, several schools reported 100 percent of their CTU members had cast ballots.

And although some have raised questions about the integrity of the CTU’s voting procedure, the number to be announced Monday will “lay to rest the question” of whether the CTU “got it legitimately. It’s not even close,’’ said one source.

The action defies predictions of one force behind the law that created the new threshold. Jonah Edelman of Stand for Children bragged last year that “the union cannot strike in Chicago. They will never be able to muster the 75 percent threshold needed to strike.’’

Oops.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 11:19 am

Comments

I’m not in a union and never have been, so forgive my ignorance when asking my question.

Is this the final vote that Union membership has on the issue or is this simply a bargaining chip? In other words, when the final decision is made to authorize a strike, is their an additional vote to approve or deny?

Comment by Frank Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 11:24 am
Take that Jonah and all your elitist conservative backers …. GO CTU!!!!
LOL

Comment by Spliff Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 11:30 am
If CTU goes on strike this fall, it very well may the death knell for the current “right to strike” in Illinois, one of only 9 states that allows this travesty.

Interestingly enough, the CTU had it’s “right” to strike nullified when Daley took over CPS. A fw years ago Blago and the GA brought it back against the public interest.

You can bet this will be used against the Dems in the GA this fall, and it will be an issue in quite a few legislative races.

Comment by Palos Park Bob Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 11:40 am
Teacher bashing has been tolerated by the characteristically well-mannered, well-behaved, polite, turn the other cheek professionals that teachers are. The latest turn of events in Springfield has awakened the sleeping giants. People can only be abused so much until they come back to squash the tyrants. Go CTU! You want a fight, we’re IN

Comment by Inactive Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 11:42 am
Everyone from the state, city and the local media (with emphasis on the Tribune Editorial Board) have been shoving the teachers back while dumping on their profession. Is it surprising they fought back with the most important political and bargaining move they could make?

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 11:44 am
It’s refreshing to see a summer for once dominated by talk of actual issues instead of court appearances and testimony and charges.

Comment by Shore Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 11:44 am
I thought the 75% rule was going to be a lot more difficult to overcome. (and for future, less public negotiations it may.)

Give CTU credit, by coming out first with a vote authorization they secured their leverage BEFORE CPS could use the media to peel away teachers.

CTU has taken it on the chin quite a lot lately, (and int he end it might not mean much) but they won this “round”.

Comment by Kyle Hillman Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 11:44 am
Palos Park Bob is correct. Anyone encouraging the CTU to act stupid should look north of the border.

Comment by Downstate Illinois Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 12:01 pm
Thanks, Rahm. You are the best union organizer Chicago has ever seen. You have done more to galvanize, solidify, and strengthen the solidarity of the CTU than anyone could have hoped for. Keep working on the fire dept. and you’ll get the same result there. It is about time for you take a fall. We’ll see who is really running the city. Wait until 500,000 parents have to take care of their own kids all day for a few weeks.

Comment by Bill Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 12:15 pm
But for all of the ongoing media coverage- is this really a story- Karen Lewis should take her members on strike and when the public backs the mayor- Lewis can be the last president of the CTU

Comment by Sue Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 12:19 pm
“well-mannered, well-behaved, polite, turn the other cheek professionals that teachers are.”
If only Karen Lewis fell into that category… Although she has certainly polished up her tone in recent interviews. Should help in the coming PR battle.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 12:26 pm
Jonah Edelman has proven to be a shallow prophet.

Comment by KGB Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 12:33 pm
Like most Chicago parents who really care about their kids, this does not impact me at all. I gave up on CPS long ago. Even though it means I’ve given up vacations and even lunches, I’ve had to find a way to send my kids to private school.

The teachers and the union both seem intent on showing that they just don’t care about students. Fine. Fight it out. Keep proving that the mission of CPS has nothing to do with students.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 12:57 pm
Teachers care about their students, but just like non-teachers, they also care about their OWN children and THEIR futures. It sure is easy to throw those hateful insults around when you’re not making what they are. I say for those who think it’s a cushy, well-paid job, quit yours and serve those students!

Comment by Inactive Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 1:08 pm
Considering the average CPS teacher makes ~$72k, I would consider that pretty well paid.

Comment by Anon Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 1:17 pm
The people celebrating this are severely out of touch with reality.

How will a strike help our kids?

Comment by Allen Skillicorn Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 1:22 pm
72K with how many years of experience and at what education level (paid for out of their pockets)? For anyone paying for a college degree/master’s degree, that’s not a small amount, agreed?

Comment by Inactive Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 1:34 pm
Inactive, are you seriously comparing the “advanced degree” that so many teachers get to real advanced degrees? Come on. Those come from mills ready to hand them out to just about anybody.

By the way, I paid for my own education out of my own pocket too. If I want to be good at what I do, I need to pay for education. Welcome to real life.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 1:39 pm
It’s all in who you know, I guess. I live in a suburb where Master’s degrees are paid for by the companies my friends work for. As well as their car, insurance, cell phones and credit cards. I guess I’m living in a pocket of affluence where teachers are truly at the bottom of the barrel. Relative, I guess. I’m shocked every day at the company-paid trips (where wife and kids can go along, at their own expense but sharing same hotel), my kids’ friends whose cell phone plans are picked up by dad’s company, etc. Teachers get a paycheck, period. And you are misinformed about advanced degrees. You must know some low level people.

Comment by Inactive Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 1:44 pm
If you think teachers are overpaid … why would 90% of the active members risk their jobs and vote to strike?

Could it be that the teachers feel threatened by the school board and the politicians?

Could it be 20% of the teachers … (just like 20 % of the state employees) are leaving their jobs this year?

Yes they are leaving because they are overpaid and treated fairly. You are so wise. Thank you.

Comment by gg Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 1:59 pm
Here’s some info about those high teacher salaries from the Chicago TRibune.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/jobs/chi-high-demand-occupations-20120607,0,1669581.story

Comment by Inactive Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:00 pm
==Those come from mills ready to hand them out to just about anybody.==

They come from accredited universities, often from same places where a lot of MBAs get their degrees that lead to their promotions. So, whatever…

Before this thread completely degrades, ask yourself this: would I do what a Chicago teacher does for what they get paid? Before you say yes, remember, you will have a classroom of 30-40 kids and a bunch of critics in the community complaining that what you are doing is not enough. Also, you have no control over which students you get, how often they attend, and what they do outside the classroom, but you are responsible for them to be performing at grade-level by March. If you are still on board, get that certification and apply, CPS needs you.

I’m not a teacher, but I know a lot of them. The vast majority love their students and love their jobs, but they also have to pay the bills (including most of the supplies in their classrooms).

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:04 pm
Would I work part time with summers off for that money? Sure, if money was all that mattered. It is a good gig for the money.

Unlike most CPS teachers, I realize that I would be a lousy teacher. As a result, I would not take that job. However, for most CPS teachers, “skill” is not something they take seriously.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:08 pm
gg, how about these reasons:
1) Nobody believes that CPS will bring in scabs on a permanent basis. As such, there is little actual threat to job security.
2) Most teachers don’t like being in the classroom. Better to walk a line than deal with students.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:09 pm
Rahm will find a friendly cook county judge who will negate the vote on some obscure technicality.

Comment by Hank Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:12 pm
Most teachers don’t like being in the classroom? Good God! Such hatred and venom! You are wrong. And the diploma mill statement………Northwestern University might object to you characterizing them as a diploma mill as they granted my masters. Yes, this has disintegrated into mudslinging. The ignorance out there is astounding. Must’ve had very poor schooling.

Comment by Inactive Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:16 pm
Hatred and venom? Yeah, it bugs the heck out of me that I need to pay $45,000 a year for school for my kids because you are lousy at your job. I admit it. I can’t stand writing that check and also seeing my taxes support failures.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:19 pm
We can never know what a teacher salary should be since the employment system is not free, being almost locked into a monopoly with only union employment and no accountability for the only metric that really matters, the kid’s ability to compete in a global environment.

Comment by Cincinnatus Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:21 pm
==Most teachers don’t like being in the classroom. Better to walk a line than deal with students.==

It’s this kind of false and negative commentary that has pushed educators into the defensive position they’re taking.

Classroom management is a unique and challenging skill; it requires a complete devotion to the task. I don’t know of any teacher who hated their role in the classroom in my 25 years of public education.

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:24 pm
Gee Skeeter, you sure are spending a lot of time commenting on a post that doesn’t impact you. I’ve got two kids in two different Chicago Public Schools and I say good for the CTU. I wish CPS parents could form a union so we’d have some bargaining power against Brizard and Rahm and their school reform by press release.

Comment by Jeff Park Mom Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:25 pm
The most important job of any Union leader when determining whether to call for a strike or other type of job action is being able to assess the public sentiment- Karen Lewis is failing to understand that we are at a tipping point similar to when Reagan broke the Air Controllers’ Union- Given last week’s vote in WI and the legislature’s current review of the pension situation- CTU will be walking off the plank if it strikes and there will be no bottom to break the fall- Taxpayers arefed up with all of the money being devoted to the public sector- CTU should be happy its members have jobs and not push the Mayor into a confrontation it won’t win

Comment by Sue Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:29 pm
The arrogance of the union is just amazing. If I screwed up on four out of every five assignments, I would be happy to have a job at all. CPS teachers do it and want more money.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:30 pm
@Skeeter,

You’re hateful ranting on CPS teachers is not conducive to the discussion.

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:39 pm
Skeeter, I am not a teacher although I did go to school and while not all teachers are great, your lumping them all into one group and trashing them is ridiculous. Who can even take you seriously? You are a hater and you are laughable. I know I am laughing out loud , at you. Gotta believe I am not alone.

Comment by Not a teacher Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:40 pm
Sorry, “Your”

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:40 pm
“Hatred and venom? Yeah, it bugs the heck out of me that I need to pay $45,000 a year for school for my kids because you are lousy at your job. I admit it. I can’t stand writing that check and also seeing my taxes support failures.”

I went to CPS, and though that was some years ago, I had wonderful, dedicated and smart teachers.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:40 pm
Inactive…

as a friend of teachers, as a supporter of union rights, and as a Chicago taxpayer (with no kids for you to educate) but one who does not want teachers to have to work more hours without comensurate pay to reflect that…

I have to say you taking everything so personally and insulting those who disagree with you is helping the ctus cause. Jsyk.

In any event, this sure is nice treat for Rahms appearance on morning joe when it comes to chicago tomorrow.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:42 pm
I agree with you Sue abt this being a tipping point for labor. Although I think CTU has some unique power in that Rahm will have pressure from the Obama not to let this strike happen as that would immediately become a national issue affecting the 2012 election.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:47 pm
===Rahm will have pressure from the Obama===

Actually, it’ll probably be the other way around. The folks who run the CTU picketed Obama a couple of years ago.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:49 pm
=If you think teachers are overpaid … why would 90% of the active members risk their jobs and vote to strike?=

For the same reason a gambler will have a million dollars sitting on a roulette table and “let it ride”….greed, arrogance, and more than a little stupidity…

Comment by Palos Park Bob Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 2:53 pm
–the only metric that really matters, the kid’s ability to compete in a global environment.–

How would you define the “the only metric that really matters?” You just cut-and-pasted some of the usual talk radio blather.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 3:05 pm
“would immediately become a national issue affecting the 2012 election.”

Romney already said that government has to be cut, and to look to Wisconsin as an example. He said or implied that we do not need more teachers, cops and firefighters. This is already becoming an issue. While Obama was getting slammed in the mainstream media for saying the private sector is doing fine, Romney’s comments seemed to have been ignored or downplayed by the media.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 3:05 pm
==We can never know what a teacher salary should be since the employment system is not free, being almost locked into a monopoly with only union employment and no accountability for the only metric that really matters, the kid’s ability to compete in a global environment. ==

Would that it were so simple to measure a teacher’s ability. As I alluded to above, it is difficult to measure a teacher’s ability when many of the key inputs are out of the teachers control and that is is very difficult for a public school to reject a student. In addition, a “good” teacher is often given the lowest performing students in the hope that they will help them advance.

The public education system is incredibly complex and, so far, attempts to measure the abilities of teachers in the classroom and the success rate of schools have been overly simple.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 3:14 pm
Very well played CTU

Comment by Thank a teacher Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 3:17 pm
=== Jonah Edelman has proven to be a shallow prophet. ===

Yup, he looks doubly ridiculous and clueless.

Comment by Coach Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 3:17 pm
Yet again fun to read…

Sorry but I think a showdown with teachers would be a big win for Rahm and might even be helpful to the president.

No matter how you may personally feel about teachers, their compensation and their working conditions in the city they are not the most sympathetic of public employees right now in a world that is not real sympathetic for public employees. Is that fair, doesn’t make a difference I think most observers would agree that is they way things are.

So that being said, if they start really talking strike, what happens if Rahm says fine.

“If you say this strike is about schools without libraries, the city will add libraries to every school without one, but they will be staffed by non-union clerks.

If you say this is about class size, fine we can tweak class size, but I have to pay for it with smaller raises for your existing members, cool with that?”

It is early in his term, he has the flexibility to be tough on this.

I think a lot of parents will be fully behind the mayor, the ones facing the realization that if their child does not get into one of the “good” schools then they have to pay for private school. The “good” school thing is turning off parents who have moved into gentrified areas of the city who have to spend money and significant time to try and get their children into the ‘right’ public school.

Sorry, IMHO if this comes down to Karen Lewis vs Rahm I know where my money is going…

Comment by OneMan Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 3:27 pm
Wow, Skeeter. $45k for your kids school. That 2 bit lakefront shyster gig must really be paying off. Its a good thing you’re not a teacher.If you were wouldn’t be able to afford that. But, of course, in your mind you work so much more and are so much smarter, and you paid for your own law degree. Wow. It is a good thing you decided to sell out instead of earning an honest living.

Comment by Bill Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 3:45 pm
Great to see that Bill still hates everybody who is even moderately successful.

I do love Bill’s definition of “an honest living.” Per Bill, working from 8:30 to 3:00 with summers off is “honest work” while consistently working twelve hour days is not honest work.

That may help explain why Bill is not personally acquainted with the concept of “success.”

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 4:12 pm
If they strike they will lose, big-time. Rahm owes them nothing, and in this political environment it will be a big plus to any Dem who appears to be standing up for the taxpayer against union pressure.

Maybe CTU slept through what happened in Wisconsin the past 16 months or so.

Comment by Marty Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 4:33 pm
Did 10% not vote at all?

Comment by radio guy Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 4:33 pm
Rich I didn’t mean that Obama would pressure Rahm to avert a strike out of actual union sympathy. The reason Obama might get on the phone andget Rahm to settle or stall is because of the politics. This becoming a national issue would inflame the base that is already smarting from wisconsin and the folks disappointed obama and the dnc didn’t do more. It also would give Romney fodder for his teacher union attacks.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 4:42 pm
LOL. I guess you’re right, Skeeter. I am not acquainted with YOUR concept of success. I don’t measure a person’s success by how much money they make. By the way, I don’t hate anybody. I am just amused by your narcissism and greed. Keep up those 12 hour days. It’ll help fill up the Mercedes and pay that $45k tuition bill. In the meantime I’ll continue to support the dedicated men and women who do their best, at pretty low wages, by the way, to educate children who may not be as fortunate as yours. Public education continues to be the great equalizer in America. That is one of the reasons the wealthy elite are so afraid of it. The people who work in public schools deserve a little financial security, decent working conditions, and the respect and gratitude of us all.

Comment by Bill Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 6:03 pm
Actually it is a BMW, Bill. Loaded. Truly “The ultimate driving machine.” But you will never know. You embrace failure. I work hard. You would never know that experience.

I am glad that you love CPS though. In twenty years, we will need people to clean my kids’ offices. I’m glad your kids will be available to do the job.

You are right about one thing though. CPS does scare me. You see, people throwing away my money on failure is pretty terrifying.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 6:40 pm
Congrats to the CTU for beating the unbeatable 75 percent criterion. But here’s hoping there’s no strike.

Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 6:48 pm
Rahm’s bullying approach has elicited sympathy among Chicagoans for the teachers. He took away the raise that Daley had agreed to. He is extending their workday by 20% and insults them with a 2% pay raise.

Comment by reformer Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 7:15 pm
This new leadership of the CTU were all classroom teachers and paraprofessionals two years ago. We have the pulse of our members. We listened to what they had to say. And we made a plan using the tools and the resources we have. That’s what teachers do. We analyzed the data and adjusted our plans. But all along, we had the feedback of the members in our schools. While the chaos on Clark Street continues, our members, intent on being heard were loud, clear and serious.
http://www.coreteachers.com/

Comment by not surprised Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 7:46 pm
**Karen Lewis is failing to understand that we are at a tipping point similar to when Reagan broke the Air Controllers’ Union**

Ummm… you do know that no one has called a strike, right?

**Did 10% not vote at all? **

I believe it was 8%… which is stunning. You know how hard it is to get 92% of a union to take a vote? Nearly impossible.

Regardless of your opinion on CTU’s tactics, this was incredible organizing by CTU. They accomplished what everyone thought was impossible, and they did in stunning fashion.

And just an aside - I am pretty sure that Skeeter has absolutely no clue about what it takes to be a teacher. The fact that you think that teachers only “work from 8:30 to 3:00″ is hilarious. And clueless.

Comment by dave Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 7:56 pm
–Karen Lewis is failing to understand that we are at a tipping point similar to when Reagan broke the Air Controllers’ Union–

Chicago teachers have a legal right to strike. PATCO was prohibited from striking by federal law. You can’t fire teachers or seek to decertify a union for a lawful strike.

FAA air traffic controllers are now represented by the National Association of Air Traffic Controllers, part of AFL-CIO.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 8:11 pm
Dave, I love people like you.
The world is a competitive place and I know your kids will not be serious competition for mine!
Thanks!

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 8:11 pm
I sure wish CPS teachers were as dedicated to “teaching kids” as they are “whining when people say mean things about teachers.” If so, we would not have some of the worst schools in the country.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 8:14 pm
Skeeter its one thing to be an arrogant jerk over how much better you are than other people based on how much money you make. But its frankly creepy and sad to try and extrapolate your success and put that onto your kids and criticize other peoples kids based on how much money you make or what private school you send your kids too. For one thing if you have as much money as you say then it sounds like jr has no after school job and also 12 hours a day at work when you have kids? Is the kid at boarding school?

Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 9:05 pm
Is Skeeter for real or trolling?

Comment by reformedformerlibertarian Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 9:41 pm
The sad thing is not Skeeter, but rather the entitlement better than everyone else mentality that his children will be harnessed with. I actually had the opportunity to teach for six years in one of those private schools before I decided to embrace public education. I found that the private school students certainly have an academic advantage in this world but the sense of entitlement transferred from their parents gives me pause when I think about them joining the ranks of investment bankers and politicians that brought our country to the brink of disaster.

My public school students on the other hand realize they have to make their own life because they don’t have anyone at home to prop them up. Some of them take on the task and excell while some don’t.

And just so you will know skeeter as a CPS teacher I will gladley trade my “raise” for art, PE, world language, a library, music, a limit of no more than 20 standardized tests per year and a window AC unit. I had all those things in private school, except for the tests of course…private school kids don’t have the standardized tests.

Comment by Kyle Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 9:52 pm
Hisgirl and others —

Read the comments back. I never brought up my income. I sure as heck did not brag about it. Read the comments. I stated that in order to afford school for my kids, I need to give up a lot of stuff (including, literally, food).

Others (Bill in particular) seemed annoyed that people can afford private school and frankly I’m tired of the attitude from certain liberals that if you can afford anything, you must be some horrible rich person. I have worked hard and I’m really tired of hearing people like Bill who despise anybody who has any amount of success. People like Bill show why Dems continue to have so many problems reaching out to middle class voters.

Prior to Bill’s cheap insults, all I said about money was that to put my kids in school for a year, it costs a heck of a lot of money and it annoys the heck out of me that I need to pay that due to failures of CPS teachers. I pointed that because of the failures of CPS teachers, I literally cannot afford to eat lunch. A quality education for my kids is more important to me than eating.

Did I mention my car? Sure, but only after Bill’s “Mercedes” comment. Of course, I bought it well before the kids were born. I still enjoy driving it, but there would be no way I could pay for both the car and private school. Yet people like Bill look at the car and believe that because it is nice, I must be evil. Again, I’m tired of that attitude.

My comments about other kids? I feel it is an absolute shame that all Chicago parents do not have equal access to quality schools. However, when people like Bill and others actually embrace the poor quality schools, then they get what they deserve. If Bill and others would stand up and demand that the union provide better results, we could have high quality schools. But when people like him actually like lousy schools, I am left with nothing other than to note that we all make choices and hopefully it will be people like Bill who will have to see the results of those failures. Better his kids than the kids of somebody who actually demands quality.

Hisgirl,read ALL the comments, and then call me names. Yes, I have stated very clearly that I do not have much use for CPS teachers. They produce lousy results and they want more money. I find that unacceptable. Everybody who cares about education should find those results unacceptable.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 10:03 pm
Really, Kyle?
You got a raise when you went to a public school, didn’t you?
Perhaps if public schools were not paying a premium for salaries, they could afford all those nice things you mentioned.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 11, 12 @ 10:07 pm
LOL.
It is almost time for Skeeter to start another one of those tough 12 hour days of blogging and denigrating those trying to contribute to society instead of leaching off of it like he does.

Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jun 12, 12 @ 7:50 am
Actually, skeeter, I am fortunate to have a PhD in a stem area so I made a bit more in private school. And I really don’t think anyone considers art programs and a library a “nice thing” but rather a crucial part of a good education.

Comment by Kyle Tuesday, Jun 12, 12 @ 7:55 am
Skeeter I have read all the comments. Earlier in the discussion I actually told a union person to tone it down with the personal. That was before I read all the comments and realized you were trolling her, apparently because you feel like as a rich person youve been demonized and now you need to soothe your hurt by demonizing cps teachers.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Jun 12, 12 @ 8:01 am
Am I correct in assuming that teachers wouldn’t be paid during a strike?

Comment by Carlos S. Tuesday, Jun 12, 12 @ 8:22 am
**Dave, I love people like you.
The world is a competitive place and I know your kids will not be serious competition for mine!
Thanks!**

People like me, eh? And what exactly are people like me?

I am not worried about my kids competing. They’ll be fine.

As for yours? I’m sure they’ll be well equipped to respond to arguments with personal attacks and cliched talking points rather than substantive responses. So at least they have that going for them.

Comment by dave Tuesday, Jun 12, 12 @ 9:22 am
**Am I correct in assuming that teachers wouldn’t be paid during a strike? **

That is correct… though it is likely that the school year would just get extended, so they would eventually get paid.

And for Skeeter… no, I am not a teacher.

Comment by dave Tuesday, Jun 12, 12 @ 9:26 am
Reading this blog has brought a new low to this conversational topic. I’m surprised at you, Rich. Inappropriate or excessively rabid comments, gratuitous insults……..are right here to read. There are sure some whackos out there that have found a voice on your blog. Comments insulting other peoples’ kids should really be off limits. But then again, not everyone respects kids as real people apparently.

Comment by Inactive Tuesday, Jun 12, 12 @ 9:39 am
Kyle
== And I really don’t think anyone considers art programs and a library a “nice thing” but rather a crucial part of a good education. ==

Agree 100% but if it came down to that demand or a raise anyone want to venture a guess which the union would pick?

Got nothing against a union, but they represent the teachers and they will push with what they feel is in the teachers best interests. That is what unions are supposed to do, look out for their members interests.

Does anyone really think this strike is about libraries and arts education?

It isn’t it is about compensation, length of the working day and the power of teachers vs. the system. Nothing wrong with that, but lets call it what it is shall we.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jun 12, 12 @ 9:46 am