Music teachers file charge against Huntley Dist. 158
The state's largest teachers union has filed a grievance against Huntley Unit District 158, saying the district has overburdened elementary music teachers, leaving them little time to grade assignments and plan lessons.
In an unfair labor practice claim filed earlier this year, the Illinois Education Association says District 158 assigned elementary music teachers 17 classes this year -- one more than the 16 they have taught in the past.
"Adding the 17th class takes away from the music teachers' planning time," said Christy Henderson, co-president of the Huntley Education Association, the local arm of the Illinois Education Association.
Under the current teacher's contract, elementary teachers are supposed to get at least 300 minutes of planning time each week.
Henderson said that in the past, the music teachers have been compensated for teaching a 17th class, but this year the district is not paying teachers for the class.
The teachers union wants to either stop District 158 from requiring the 17th class or to pay teachers for the extra class.
In an Aug. 27, 2007, memo from Superintendent John Burkey to the teacher's union, Burkey rejected the teachers union's requests.
The memo states the teachers contract is being followed and questions the union's claims about the district's past practice.
"We have found no evidence that music teachers were ever paid for teaching 17 classes," the memo states.
According to the memo, elementary music teachers this year teach 1,530 minutes per week -- about 100 minutes fewer than regular elementary teachers.
"I find (the) HEA proposals go beyond the parameters of the contract," the memo states. "I also find them to be inherently unfair to the vast majority of the teachers who are teaching 1,625 minutes per week and not receiving any extra pay."
Burkey said Monday he stands by the memo but declined to comment further because teacher contract negotiations are ongoing.
The Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board is investigating the charge.