What a situation. We've never had anything that bad, though a couple of years ago there was almost a strike over benefits. Our district still pays 100% of the benefits--the teachers pay nothing into it at all. Many districts in order to save money have managed to negotiate the teachers paying in--at least for the spouse if they should also happen to be a teacher. Our BOE finally caved. I don't know how your teachers are treated, so its hard to say if they're not getting a fair deal. How does your principal feel?

I have a real problem with the union telling the teachers not to volunteer or help, and the teachers going along with it. Not only does it go against what teaching is supposed to be all about, but it's also exceedingly self-defeating. You're supposed to have your BOE OK a pay hike to people who are telling you they don't have your kids' best interests at heart, but rather a paycheck.

Having been in education and being dedicated to it, I tend to be more demanding of teachers etcetera. Anyone who goes into it looking at it as a job rather than a calling of sorts shouldn't be there. I have seen teachers get the shaft, but not in the last fifteen years or so. I'm sure there are those who would beg to differ with what I'm going to say, but....The public's view of the teaching profession has changed dramatically, and personally I feel they've come a long way and are treated well --most of the time. Of course you're going to have the odd district that just doesn't get it and treats the teachers shabbily, but I just don't see it, at least not in the Northeast--excepting NYC of course. Many flee to the suburbs now to get paid what they're worth.

I feel for your treasurer, and this is one reason I have a problem with the PTA--how can you possibly be an advocate for children if you're supposed to remain neutral--either for or against the teachers?

I hope your town can find a good mediator and hash it all out, but it's very hard to change to change the mind set of people on both sides in a situation like this, and it's very hard to not hold a grudge.

Is it possible to have the PTA call a meeting with the teachers to hear their side, in all fairness? I think trying to meet them halfway at least says you're willing to listen, which is often all people want. Communication can be tricky in situations like this--it's hard to have to say things that are very honest to someone's face and not have them get defensive. If you're friendly with any of the teachers, you could suggest to them that THEY call a meeting with the PTA/parents to air their side.

Good Luck!

Our teachers are in their second year without a contract and negotiations seem to be at a stand-still. Tensions are running high at our schools and there has been much nastiness, even between teachers. Most of them don't even know what their union is even asking for. A huge lack of communication!

We have been told that the union has told its teachers do not volunteer for anything, do not do anything extra, as a form of protest. And the teachers, for the most part, are doing just that.
A big percentage of our teachers do not live in the district, and their children do not attend our schools. My issue with that is they want parents from the district to contribute more for their wages, insurance, etc. but they are not contributing to our community because they don't live in it and pay taxes in it.

Over 50% of our students qualify for free/reduced lunches, only 9% of adults in our county hold the minimum of an associate's degree, and most of our children do not continue their education beyond high school. The blame or fault does not lie with any one person or group of persons, but I feel that everyone is responsible to change these stats.

Now, to add fuel to the fire, our treasurer spoke at the last Board of Education meeting, and then her speech was published in our local paper as a letter to the editor. She at no time identified herself as a PTA member, or stated her affiliation with any organization. She talked and wrote strictly as a mother and citizen. She thoroughly researched everything she wrote, and the facts she stated have not been disputed.
The local union president sent her a letter,with copies to PTA board members, basically spanking her for her opinions and for putting PTA into the mix of a political, labor-relations issue.

After hashing out our response, it was decided that our treasurer would write and then take a response to all local union reps, one at each building, along with a copy of the letter the president had sent her. Not one of the other reps were aware of the first letter. Her response was non-confrontational. Just stating that her facts remain unchanged and that she can give them a list of her resources if they would like, and that she never affiliated herself with any organization, and would never presume to speak for any organization, unless asked to. A very brief, and to the point letter.

Regardless of my personal opinion of the negotiations, teachers have our children 7+ hours a day, and I want to support them for that.

I just wonder if anyone else has faced these kinds of issues. Any ideas to help lighten the atmosphere or ease the tensions would be greatly appreciated.

And thank you for this opportunity to rant, it's helped.