Dist 211 students have mixed reactions

Students in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 are getting a real-life lesson in economics, taxation and labor relations.

But while their views on a looming teacher strike fell across a wide spectrum, many students were just excited about the prospect of some unanticipated time off if teachers do walk off the job.

A strike planned for today was called off late Wednesday, but teachers could still strike at any point.

"We want the strike just so we can get out of school," said Caitlin Tharp, a Fremd High School freshman. "But I think it's really dumb because the teachers make so much money."

Senior Whitney Keck, though, said the teachers should strike.

"The administration blames a lot of stuff on the teachers," Keck said.

Conant High School junior Kevin Patel admitted he's "kind of glad we are missing school, but I hope it doesn't go on for too long."

Many teachers gave out extra assignments Wednesday to give students something to work on during a potential strike.

Conant High School junior Bailey Duncan said teachers sent enough work home to last about a week.

Students said they weren't worried about a strike affecting when the year will end in June.

"We get five days at the end of the year, so we might as well use them," said Conant junior Drake Pitynski, referring to the extra days built into the school calendar for snow or other emergencies.

Senior Baylee Krawczyk said she isn't worried in the slightest about missing school and is fully supporting her teachers.

"I hope the teachers get everything they want," Krawczyk said.

Views of District 211 family members similarly cover a wide spectrum.

Fremd parent Mary Kay Schmuttenmaer said she believes teachers already get good pay and benefits.

"I don't think they should strike," she said. "They should be working on getting a contract."

At Palatine High School, a rainbow cracked through the clouds Wednesday afternoon as students dragged bulky music instruments and other prized items home, unsure when they'd be allowed back in school next to retrieve them.

As a senior, Palatine High's Russ Kaminski wasn't too worried about missing classes.

"Lower classmen will have to make it up, but seniors graduate on the same day no matter what," he said.

His friend, Palatine junior Ryan McCain, said some teachers were canceling and postponing assignments. He backed the teachers.

"I think the teachers' demands are reasonable," he said. "I think the district has to see it from their point of view. They have certain standards that they need to live by."

• Staff writer Ashok Selvam contributed to this report.