As you are already aware, the Board of Education and the teachers’ union (Tinley Council of Local 604, IFT/AFT) have been involved in ongoing negotiations for a new contract since February.

After hearing from teachers and community members at its Board meeting on Monday, September 8, the Board shared two alternate offers with the union on Tuesday, September 9. On Thursday evening, the union rejected the Board’s offer to either (a) increase salaries by 6% per year for all three years or (b) expand its existing retirement incentive to a retirement benefit. The union made no material movement in response, only a slight modification of its retirement proposal. This morning, the Board offered three years of 6% raises and essentially the same terms the union proposed on retirement, and we look forward to a meaningful response from the union.

Meanwhile, the union filed its notice of intent to strike today, which means the union might go on strike as early as (but not earlier than) the week of September 22. However, we cannot be certain, because it is possible the Board and the union could reach an agreement before then. Therefore, the purpose of this communication is to provide you some basic information in case a strike were to occur.

In the event the union goes on strike, at least initially, schools will be closed and classes and extracurricular activities will be cancelled. We will advise families of any school cancellation in the same manner as on days when school is closed due to snow or other emergency reasons. The District also will provide information and updates via its website.

We apologize for any inconvenience that may be caused by a strike and resulting school closing. We are unaware of any other arrangements that can be made for your children on such short notice other than to keep them at home if school is cancelled due to the strike. Accordingly, we suggest you ask your children to bring school devices, books, and schoolwork home with them in case they are needed.

Special education services will not be delivered to any students on the days schools are closed during a strike except for those students who are enrolled in special education programs outside the District. Those students will continue in their programs, and the District will continue to provide transportation to/from those programs. Please direct questions about special education services to the Kelly Voliva, Director of Student Services.

During a potential strike, the District will continue to provide boxed breakfasts and lunches to students. These meals will be delivered to various sites throughout the District so as to be accessible to as many students as possible. Information regarding the availability of these meals will be provided in follow-up communications.

In the event of a strike, the Board promises to review the situation daily and to keep you informed. If a strike does occur, we are hopeful it will be resolved quickly and that your children will be able to return to school as soon as possible.

Please contact my office with any questions.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeff Stawick

Superintendent