Parents, commenters have their say on threat of strike

Friday's pickup at Chesak and Martin Elementary schools in Lake in the Hills seemed like any other.

The school's parking lot was packed with parents and in idling cars, ready to receive their backpack-clad charges at the end of a school day.

But for the parents in those cars, Friday was different.

With a strike looming on Monday, the pickup could be the last in a long time.

After seven months of unsuccessful negotiations, Huntley Unit District 158 teachers informed the school board Thursday that they would strike Monday morning if a deal is not in place.

Kristie DeAngelis, who has a kindergartner, a first- and second-grader at Chesak, says a strike "would inconvenience my kids."

Her kindergarten son is just now getting used to the school routine.

"He was having a real hard time before," she said. "Kids are still crying in those rooms. You can't be inconsistent."

Brian Collins, the parent of a Chesak second-grader and a member of a union himself, said he understands the negotiating process, but "this puts the burden on the parents," he said.

"Teachers should get paid more," he said. "But it's hard, when I'm the one paying."

Diane Espinoza, the mother of a Martin fifth-grader, said: "I'm for the teachers. They've been considerate. They were there for school to open, through homecoming weekend before they called a strike."

Still, she said, the deal "should have been done before summer was over."

Commenters on strike-related stories on www.dailyherald.com Thursday night and Friday had plenty to say, too.

While the Web commenters were overwhelmingly opposed to the teachers union's position, we've provided some balance of viewpoint here. And some minor editing of offensive language and punctuation.

"If these teachers were working in the business world, I guarantee you that they would NOT be receiving 6, 7, or 8 percent raises annually. They'd receive 3 to 4 percent. Who the heck do they think they are? This is ridiculous. Time for more parents to wake up and home school."

-Rush

"It's a shame that people don't value teaching as a profession. Some of the better teachers in Huntley will leave if the pay stays low. And as long as the pay stays the way it is, the better teachers won't even apply for a job. I live in D211 and pay higher taxes, thanks to a referendum passed a few years ago. However, my kids will have a quality education in first-class facilities. Huntley is a nice area, but it's far from where most people work. When your schools get worse and gas is $4 per gallon, let's see how many people want to move to your community. Real estate is already dropping. Schools are the backbone of most communities. You may not always like what they do, but without community support it's difficult to be successful."

-JPA

"This is truly a tragedy. The fact that teachers are striking is dividing our community. My hearts go out to the seniors in high school that may have their futures postponed due to greed. Teachers are brainwashed by the union and have little experience in the private sector of work. The reality is, unemployment is at its highest in decades, people aren't even getting raises, most are getting decreases in salaries and benefits - all while working longer hours. I support teachers and what they do for our children and the community. But I do not support greed. Our community is growing and doesn't have the support of a large business tax base. Our home values have not matured due to the growth in the area, and now due to foreclosures will only diminish. The tax base is NOT there. What don't you get? It would be sad to see good teachers go. But this is America. If you have an opportunity to make more money in a nearby community, by all means take advantage of the situation and go. Otherwise, if you're teaching because you love it, and you understand it's not a high paid position due to how the salaries are funded, then start negotiating with the board."

-ECStanton

"For all of those who complain about teachers being overpaid babysitters, (you) are the first ones to complain about 'What am I going to do with my kids if they strike?' because they 'baby-sit' all day for you. You also complain because you are unhappy with your current situation and believe everyone should be as miserable as you are. If you were smart, you would want the teachers to get paid more. More teachers would stay and the school district would elevate and improve. Thus, improving your property values. A good school district has a direct correlation on the value of your property. The anti-teachers are the first to complain about 'first-year teachers,' young teachers with no- experience. Well, with the pay structure as it is now, you will continue to have a revolving door with teachers getting one or two years of experience and out the door to District 47, District 155, District 15 in Palatine. Get a clue people: These are your kids' teachers, schools and your property value. Support your teachers, now!"

-Jakejet

"I have been a consistent supporter of teachers/schools/referendums in the past. I have championed their causes and fought the good fight. This is not the "good fight." I will not support the greediness of this issue. I like the new teachers that District 158 has hired. I actually feel that sometimes the newer teachers are more idealistic and passionate about their job. There are always a few bad apples, but for the most part I am pleased with our teachers. I'd be more willing to support merit pay. Why should the slackers get the same raise as the passionate teachers? I'm sure the only ones that wouldn't support this would be the slacking teachers. So, go ahead and turn your noses up at an impressive raise. I am not impressed."

-Mom of three

"Make teacher work summers, get rid of their pensions, make them contribute to Social Security, make them work til age 67, teach them the meaning of outsourcing and downsizing, make them travel abroad, get rid of their tenure and job security, give them 3 percent raises and marginal benefits and then they might have a clue of what the taxpayers who are paying their salaries have it like out in the real world."

-John001