Dixon students going back to school? - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Dixon students going back to school?

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc.com

Students in Dixon could soon be back in class, but with one thing missing... their teachers.  

Despite a more than week long teacher strike, the Dixon school board said kids need go back to class to take the Illinois States' Achievement Test, or ISAT's.

It's a move many parents and teachers said would be crossing the picket line.

"No teachers, No ISAT's. Get our kids back in class."

A group of parents chanted those words outside the district's administration office, proclaiming their allegiance to Dixon teachers. 

Parent Michelle Cumberland said her kids will be staying home even if the school board tells students they have to take ISATs while teachers are on strike, "We need our teachers back in class, and our kids back in class learning."

Becca Clevenger has been preparing her 3rd grade class since the beginning of the school year for ISAT's, and she said she can't believe the school board would allow her students to take the test without her there, "It upsets me to know my kids probably won't do as well as they could do under regular circumstances."

But Superintendent Mike Juenger said the strike couldn't have come at a worst time.

The District only has until March 22nd to complete testing, but they're looking at other options.

"We're working with the state board of education to determine what we need to do. If they will give us an extension or give us some modifications, we are all for that," said Superintendent Juenger.

And while school leaders and teachers negotiate over pay raises, this time, the Superintendent said it's not about the money, "It helps us out I suppose to see if we're making progress overtime with our students.  As far as funding or anything like that, it doesn't really provide us more funding or lesson our funding."  

Friday the two sides will meet again to discuss contract negotiations; Superintendent Juenger also hopes to have an answer from the state board of education by Friday.