Schools
Geneva Teachers Expected to Picket Before Tuesday School Board Meeting: Reports
The Kane County Chronicle is reporting that representatives of the Geneva Education Association will be picketing before the 7 p.m. School Board meeting at the Coultrap facility.
The Kane County Chronicle reported at about 1:21 p.m. today (Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012) that the Geneva Education Association is planning to picket prior to the 7 p.m. School District 304 board meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Coultrap facility.
The Chronicle story says GEA President Carol Young confirmed that the "informational picket" would take place from about 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. outside the building at 1113 Peyton St. from the Lincoln Avenue entrance to West State Street and back.
Teachers and parents who support the teachers union have spoken at recent School Board meetings, and union representatives wearing green "United We Teach" T-shirts have packed the room at School Board meetings on Aug. 27, Sept. 10 and Sept. 24.
Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A postcard recenlty sent by the GEA asks for support of the teachers union and lists academic accomplishments in bullet points:
- Geneva High School was ranked the #1 high school in Kane County by Chicago Magazine.
- Mill Creek Elementary was named the #1 elementary school in Kane County.
- Both Geneva middle schools were ranked in the top five middle schools in Kane County.
- 80.6 percent of Geneva teachers hold a master's degree or above.
The postcard refers supporters to a website www.gea4students.org. The website includes a YouTube video as well as tabs for accomplishments, frequently asked questions and how to help.
Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Some of the issues mentioned on the website include:
- Compensation
- Collaboration of teachers and administration
- Teacher Plan time
- Guidelines for special education caseload limits
- Professional development
- Procedures for involuntary transfers
- Use of surveillance cameras in the high school
- Supervision guidelines
- Progressive Discipline
The homepage of the website includes a call to action.
"We care deeply about each and every child we teach and do not want to be forced into doing anything that would impact those students’ education! Working without a contract, however, is unacceptable. The teachers expect the negotiators to work together to resolve this situation. Neither side can stonewall the negotiation process! Please let the School Board know that you want this contract settled NOW! Click on the Help tab above to find out more about what you can do to help," the website says.
