Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Harlem schools on strike
 |
| Staff photo by Ashley Rhodebeck A picketing list split in two columns nearly filled a legal pad page at Harlem High School in Machesney Park this morning. In an effort to get better wages, teachers planned to march on the school’s property along Alpine Road all day despite the predicted rain. |
By Ashley Rhodebeck
Daily News staff writer
MACHESNEY PARK - Nearly 8,000 students from southern Roscoe, Machesney Park and Loves Park were told to stay home on what was scheduled to be their first day of school today because teacher contract agreements had not been reached.
By 7:30 a.m. Harlem High School teachers lined Alpine Road, picketing for better wages.
“Quality teachers equal higher test scores,” and “Thank your teachers,” read some of the handmade signs.
Besides sending a message to the administration, teachers said the district-wide strike shows the community the educators are serious about having competitive wages to keep quality teachers. It's difficult to build a school culture when there's a big turnover each year, they said.
Lenny P. Nieves, Illinois Federation of Teachers field service director, formally notified Superintendent Pat DeLuca about 11 a.m. Monday that the staff represented by the Harlem Federation of Teachers was to strike until a new agreement is reached by the parties and ratified by the union.
Thus, the students who attend Harlem's high school, middle school and nine elementary schools will remain on summer break until the contract is settled.
When the teachers went on strike three years ago students started the year about two weeks late, causing many Harlem fall sports teams to miss their first scheduled competitions, such as the football team's season opener.
Students will have to make up the time they missed.
By 7:30 a.m. Harlem High School teachers lined Alpine Road, picketing for better wages.
“Quality teachers equal higher test scores,” and “Thank your teachers,” read some of the handmade signs.
Besides sending a message to the administration, teachers said the district-wide strike shows the community the educators are serious about having competitive wages to keep quality teachers. It's difficult to build a school culture when there's a big turnover each year, they said.
Lenny P. Nieves, Illinois Federation of Teachers field service director, formally notified Superintendent Pat DeLuca about 11 a.m. Monday that the staff represented by the Harlem Federation of Teachers was to strike until a new agreement is reached by the parties and ratified by the union.
Thus, the students who attend Harlem's high school, middle school and nine elementary schools will remain on summer break until the contract is settled.
When the teachers went on strike three years ago students started the year about two weeks late, causing many Harlem fall sports teams to miss their first scheduled competitions, such as the football team's season opener.
Students will have to make up the time they missed.
 |
 |
|
| Officials keep wary eye on rising rivers, creeks | Beloit OKs crackdown on truancy |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of beloitdailynews.com.
Submit a Comment
Login below to post your comment. |
Not yet a member? Use the form below to register. |
