Dixon Classes May Resume Without Teachers - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Dixon Classes May Resume Without Teachers

by Christine Souders, csouders@cbs4qc.com  & Roland Glembine / rglembine@cbs4qc.com

Students in Dixon might be back in school as early as Monday with or without teachers.

 In a press release Wednesday Dixon School Board President Tom Balser stated, "The DEA's actions demonstrate that the teachers have no interest in bringing this unfortunate strike to a conclusion. The DEA deliberately went out on strike during the only time of year that the District can undertake ISAT testing of its students. We cannot wait any longer. The Board has asked the administration to make plans for students to return to school for ISAT testing beginning next week with or without the teachers."

 The Board of Education and Dixon Education Association met again on Wednesday without reaching a deal. The Board said that the DEA made no movement from last financial proposal, including salary, insurance and retirement.

DEA members held an informational meeting for parents Wednesday night at the Elk's Lodge. "It's only about money, and I'm not stupid enough not to know classroom sizes cost money, textbooks cost money, and teachers cost money," said Sandi Sodergren-Baar, DEA President.

Teachers from the union, held the meeting to answer questions for parents, like how close they are to reaching an agreement, and when students can go back to school? Kids have been out of school for a full week now, while both sides have spent hours on end trying to reach a deal.

Union leaders said they've now reduced their demand for a 3.75 percent pay raise down to 2 percent, but the school board said they don't want to dip into their operating funds to pay for higher wages.

  The parties are scheduled to meet again on Friday, March 8th at 1 p.m. Specific information on ISAT testing will be posted on the District's website by Friday.