Board walks out in Ottawa
October 12, 2009 by IEA Communication
A bargaining session intended to end the dispute that has closed Ottawa Township High School since September 30 ended abruptly Sunday, when negotiators for the school board walked out after reviewing the teachers’ new proposal.
“The board is absolutely prolonging this strike,” according to Glenn Weatherford, President of the Ottawa Township High School, Education Association.
“Our team offered a concessionary proposal to the board based upon actual numbers in an effort to meet everyone’s interests and bring the strike to an end. But the board is locked into its anger. It’s sacrificing the students in an effort to punish us.”
The scheduled four-hour session ended after just two hours. Weatherford said teachers tried to address the concerns of the board regarding insurance for the teachers.
He said the board is now threatening to no make-up the days lost to the contract dispute, despite the fact that it takes away from instructional time for the students.
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Sad news
The Superintendent of Ottawa Township High School, John Harrison, died Sunday.
Harrison, 41, was found dead in his home after La Salle County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an apparent suicide. According to the sheriff’s office, the incident is under investigation.
“He was a very fine superintendent,” OTHS Board Chairman George “Skip” Hupp said. “We’re going to miss him.”
Hupp said Harrison’s death “had absolutely nothing to do” with Sunday’s contract bargaining session with teachers.
Harrison, who also taught science, became OTHA superintendent in June of 2007 after four years as school principal.
