Comments on: Rockford teachers’ union declares impasse in negotiations with school district, threatens strike

By: Kit Kurtz

Kit Kurtz — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:26:53 +0000

It’s in the best interest of our community for the teachers to pay a portion of the rich benefits they receive. Bottom line, their benefits as they stand are unsustainable. Our property taxes are too high and people are moving out of Rockford. I work in the non-profit sector and staff pay $1,500/month for family coverage. I know the teacher’s won’t be asked to pay anywhere near that. Truthfully, I really don’t know how they justify their demands when the rest of us are struggling…..No one gets benefits like they do anymore. Time for the gravy train to end folks!

By: J John Wilson

J John Wilson — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:16:40 +0000

Nobody wants to see the teachers strike. I know that I don’t and I know that a lot of the teachers don’t.

This has gone on far too long and the board and superintendent has been playing public perception like a fiddle. I’m truly interested to see what the public thinks when the real offers become public.

I actually would not be surprised at this point if the board settles quickly so that they DON’T have to publish their offer. Because then they can still play to the public.

By: John

John — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 02:05:09 +0000

Disappointed? premature? RPS205 is a joke. They are offering nothing but “take backs” and have dragged this out for months. We, the teachers, are disappointed in our employer and its bad faith negotiating tactics.

By: Mary C.

Mary C. — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 02:01:00 +0000

Haaahaaahaa the board is making up stories again! It is so sad that they can’t tell the real truth. I feel bad for the teachers that work hard that are caught in the middle of this mess. I heard that no one want to go on strike but what middle and high school teacher can do a good job if they have to see 192 some students each day if they add a class to their work load. How will they ever keep in touch with parents? Grade papers? Record grades? etc. with that type of load. I would guess a lot more will retire or leave and then what will the use for teachers?

By: teacher&tax payer

teacher&tax payer — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:10:34 +0000

Have you heard anything about the 5 page letter sent to the board, describing some irregularities @ Roosevelt and page park?

By: J John Wilson

J John Wilson — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:06:00 +0000

And here we go. Finally action can and will be taken. The question is will the Board back down or will it publish it’s last offer where the public can see it?

Or for that matter will the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board need to file an FOIA request to get the offer from the school board?

Joking aside… The public will finally be able to see all of the details from both sides without media spin one way or another.

By: RPS Parent

RPS Parent — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:44:49 +0000

Tim Rollins must be roaring with laughter…like a hyena!