A little thought experiment might help adjust everyone's thinking right about now.

OK , here we go. First, ask yourself " What negative things has the teachers union brought to our community?"

Next "What positive things has the union brought to our community?"

And last "Is the combined total a negative for us?"

After reading the teacher's union position and proposal, a key element is a projected and estimated fund surplus. The teachers would like those funds distributed (to them) - as if they are stockholders in a corporation and those projected excess funds are profits. In reality, I think many of us understand the bulk of those funds came from the taxpayers and any excess should reduce future tax levies. The School Board has a fiduciary responsibility regarding the prudent care and use of those funds. I also think that many of us were surprised to learn the level of salaries paid to our local educators, especially considering the benefits, health care, state pensions and the hours worked.

Chuck Gress has irreparably hurt the future for teachers at LFHS -so that he and another 25% can retire with their salaries bumped up their last few years. Younger teachers should understand this & get back to the classroom before they lose their jobs. I hope the BOE is considering an alternative to union teachers. [note: I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat, union supporter from way back Detroit. But, this is extortion]

I am very disappointed at the BOE's decision to make additional concessions to the hostage takers. Your reputation has suffered a severe blow as a result. You owe it to yourselves and to the community you live in to stand firm on the remaining issues. If you have ever negotiated before, you should have learned that you never give something without getting something. You have given everything but have received nothing. You are being played as fools by the Union. Shame on you.

Also, the Union has clearly demonstrated that this is NOT about the level of education. This is about pure unbridled greed. Shame on Chuck Gress for taking us down this road and shame on the teachers for lacking the moral fiber to see what this is doing to your reputations. Every minute you stand there with your silly yellow signs diminishes our ability to forgive and forget. Do the right thing now so that we have some chance to rescue a decent relationship.

These poor students - isn't it Homecoming Week? It's clearly ALL about the money.

Paula, we really need the answer on replacement workers. If the reports of the negotiation session yesterday are accurate, it appears that the issue is solely about money, and that the union teachers were not willing to be informed of the facts by an independent expert. That shows exactly what the issue is ($) and that the union teachers are all about themselves (and supporting broader state and national union objectives). (Someone yesterday responded that the teachers from other districts came here without involvement of the LF Union--while I doubt that--why is it that LF union teachers went to other schools to help in their union efforts?) if this isn't about some broader union initiatives, why wouldn't they be here in our community focused on our students? Just wondering. And finally before I'm bashed for this comment based on faulty assumptions about who I am: I did not grow up in LF/LB, am from a blue collar family, and paid my own way through college and graduate school by working after my father died. (And, yes, it was from schools equivalent or "better" than those cited in the teachers' video--not that that even matters--some of the best teachers at LFHS went to ISU.)

These teachers have zero credibility. The whole town is against them and from what my child has said the vast majority of students hate them for what they have done. They send these garbage emails out saying this isn't about money, it's about the 2 tiered system. Well I guess our own neighbors and friends (teachers) lied to us. As for the board, nice job giving in, aren't you listening to the people. You should also be replaced.

Here's your chance teachers...if the true reason you went on strike was because of the two tier system and its now gone, then cross the line and gain respect back from the community. Otherwise you are confirming what we all suspect, that you delayed striking to the school year because it was all about money. What a disappointing situation.

The fact that they project a fund surplus of $20 million and feel that we should give it to them is ludicrous. That they even mention it shows their greed! I, too, would like to know our options when it comes to ousting the teachers (and the Union!!) and hiring all new. The applications from unemployed teachers, and ones currently employed in other districts, would most likely be in the thousands. BTW, the Chicago teachers are haggling over 2% or 3% raise, not anything as ridiculous as 5% or 6%!

By my calculations retiring teachers will get about 120,000.00 per year in retirement which can start at 55, so we will be paying that for about 30 years. That's almost 2500.00 per week, who gets that other than upper level corporate who actually pay into their accounts? That's over 3.5 million us taxpayers and our kids will be burdened with which begs the next question: what do they need more money for? They obviously aren't saving for retirement, this is already paid by us. I truly cannot see anything more than pure greed on their part. A message to the board; hold strong!

This IS getting out of control. While I applaud the school board for making every effort to get the kids back in school - let's not delude ourselves into thinking this is a sustainable alternative for education. And frankly, very grateful my child isn't a senior needing those all important recs for college - not only will they be delayed - I doubt they are going to be written with a positive attitude. I only wish that many of the teachers were half as passionate in the classroom as they are about gaining these unrealistic demands. I, too, am typically sympathetic to realistic employment demands - but I implore the BOE to hang tough. And as many have already stated, seriously consider replacing them. Our kids are being negatively impacted and our community is looking foolish with all the unnecessary media attention.

Lets also not forget that this is only a three year contract. Now that the BOE has demonstrated that it lacks a spine, the Union will be even more brutal next time. This is clearly spinning out of control. Teachers take note, your hard line tactics are empowering the community to use hard line tactics as well. If this BOE caves on your pay demands, the next BOE that is elected is probably going to be an angry and resentful lot. Thus, you should start saving now because your next strike is going to be a long one.

Lesson to be learned: Be careful of what you wish for because you just might get it.

How are they being greedy? They just want a contract this is good for the entire union, not just a select few. The board is not being straightforward with what their proposals actually are. I don't care who caves more than the other, a deal needs to get done. Some of you want the board to just hold out, hold out, hold out. Yea, that sounds good. Hope you enjoy school days just like yesterday.

"Adult human being who intentionally harms a child" is to "evil"
as
"Child who intentionally harms a child" is to "ignorance"

Greed...plain and simple. look at the chicago situation and look at LFHS...its all about the money. How can the rank and file teachers stand behind a union that asks for 6% increases when inflation has been 1 to 2 % for several years. Where is the leadership among our great teachers? Lemmings off a cliff

Can anyone opine on what is required for the BOE to demand teachers report back to work or be fired?

My position is to give them 48 hours to come to their senses and get back to work. If not, hire the best 150 teachers the district can find. Keep school closed for 2 weeks to get the new team assembled and lesson plan arranged, etc. I strongly suspect we will soon have the finest teachers in the state.

The district has the resources and the resolve to do this. Enough is enough.

I think I read in the earlier comments that the contract ended in June. Why didn't the teachers go on strike then? Why do they have to do it 3 months later when seniors want to get their grades high enough to get into great colleges/universities? Are the teachers only thinking what "Wall Street" the movie favorite line "Greed is Good" is all about?

I don't think a teacher gets paid for being on strike. Does anyone remember taking the Metra train into Chicago and looking out the window and seeing the strikers outside the Chicago Tribune printing building standing next to a barrel trying to stat warm? I don't think those people or anyone else gets paid. Do the pilots or flight attendants of major airlines get paid when they are on strike: I don't think so

It's illegal to fire teachers on strike, they are here to stay. I worked as a teachers assistant and coached at LFHS and must say I'm very blessed to have gotten the opportunity to interact and build a relationship with some Lake Forest parents. The people on this board, however, are definetely the ones that give Lake Forest a bad name. Its really unfortunate.

Update

"The Union continues to claim that the district's fund balance will grow by $20 million over the next 3 years. To clarify, the Board agreed to bring in a neutral third party, this person served on both parties' bargaining teams in the past, and was asked to review the financials and confirm their accuracy. The District's numbers were analyzed, but the Union declined to meet with the independent reviewer."

Sounds good right LT? Kind of illegal, and not going to happen.

@ JTW, You are correct and the reason why the Union won't meet with the 3rd party is because the LFEA has been blowing smoke and not telling their members the truth and when the truth gets out it and it will, I hope we see a 200 yards sprint to the front door by the union members!

@go scouts- the way you try to spread union propaganda by posing as a concerned parent is really quite amusing (ineffective but amusing nonetheless). The problem is that no one is buying into your flawed logic of the teacher are the best and they deserve all that we pay and then some. You see, when they walked out on the students and took them hostage, the teachers exposed themselves as pure, greedy money-whores. Once that happens, none of your feel good fairy tail is believable. Please go ahead and post your fictional accounts to your heart's content but understand how we see through you.

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
alive as you and me.
Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"
"I never died" said he,
"I never died" said he.

"The One-Percenters killed you Joe,
they got you Joe" says I.
"Framed you on a terror charge”
Says Joe "I didn't die"
Says Joe "I didn't die"

And standing there as big as life
and laughing ‘til he cries.
Says Joe "What they can never kill
went on to organize
went on to organize"

A Forward sticker on his car
In every lab and hall
Where teachers fight for their pay
It's there you find Joe Hill!
It's there you find Joe Hill!

One hundred fifty to teach drivers ed
One forty to teach gym
Working less than nine months a year
At LFHS it’s not exactly grim!
At LFHS it’s not exactly grim!

Benefits compared to none
Pensions beyond belief
Working less than nine months a year
What the cause for all the grief?
What the cause for all the grief?

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night
At LFHS with you and me.
Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"
"Where am I?" said he,
"Where am I?” said he.

If you actually read, you will see that I am not a parent. I used to work at LFHS and know what a good thing you have in the teachers. This whole thing is unfortunate and I just pray something can be resolved soon, whoever gives in more really doesn't matter. I'm just saddened to see Lake Forest look bad by people posting here. I'm just glad I never had to deal with these people in particular.

@ Go Scouts I agree but the problem is both sides have drawn the line in the sand and have dug in. The board has a fair offer and have conceded items which were the original cause or so they said for the strike. The LFEA wants last years hard freeze money back in their pockets and I am sure they have promissed their member that.The LFEA board has to eat crow and burry the ego and return to work.

I cannot stand this hypocrisy. If your beloved Mittens or other tea-baggers said give teachers raises, you would all be for it. Instead you are trying to drive this school into the ground by trying to get the board to fire the teachers and replace them with new ones, who by the way wouldn't work at LFHS because they were fired by the same attorney.

I am a parent of a LFHS student, and another child who is a teacher. I am also a tax payer in the LFHS district. I have tried to remain neuteral, but only see this as the teachers being ignorant of the financial realities. As an executive of a company, I can assure you that a 3% pay increase is more than fair. Most employees today are lucky to get a 2% increase if anything. 5-6% is just plain unrealistic. You have a good pension plan so that is not an issue, and even if you have to pay up to 25% of your health insurance, that is still an outstanding deal. Teachers, you MUST get a grip with today's reality! I am sorry, I love the jobs you do and have my respect, but this is just plain silly now! The BOE is 100% correct on this and I applaud you.

@LT: I agree that this 'process' (or lack thereof) cannot continue. The Board continues to concede and I don't see any progress/concessions from the Union--end result: no forward progress for our students.
You are also right with regard to 'what can we do as a community of parents'? We've elected our School Board (ala the Caucus) who, then, hired the Union and their striking teachers. Our children are at the mercy of these parties. A meeting was held on Sunday where we all sat and listened and wrote questions on note cards. It was considred 'humorous' to the administration, and some in the audience, that parents not have an opportunity to comment. Interesting. I guess hearing from the parents is not something our administration or Board would like to do.
Newsflash: these are our children and we, as taxpayers/shareholders, are paying for the teachers, the administration, the buildings, and everything in between and having answers to our questions/concerns should be immediately granted...and not in the form of an email of consolidated FAQ's.
What can we do as parents?

If Chuck Gress had one shred of integrity, he would ask the teachers to vote on the BOE proposal via a secret ballot. If that vote come up to strike then so be it, let them strike. However, something tells me that there are a large number of teachers who do have integrity and they want to accept the fair offer and return to the students.

@ LF Resident/Parent - I don't see any "hard freeze" last year in salary. 23 of the top 25 earners in our Dist saw their salary increase from 2010 to 2011. The avg increase in salary from 2010 to 2011 for this group was $6,197 or about 4.77%. If my salary goes up $6,197 how can I call that a freeze?

The avg increase in salary for this group from 2009 to 2010 was $5,815 or about 4.62%. So over the two years from 2009 to 2010 to 2011, the top 25 teachers saw their salary increase, on average, by more than $12,000 or about 9.46%.

Posted by the LFEA - The “neutral third party” that the Board wants to bring in to analyze revenue is a District employee. While he is a well-liked and respected colleague, it is disingenuous to suggest that a district employee is a “neutral third party.”......He was brought in to review the numbers on both sides and see who is telling the truth. As long as he is reviewing both sides than that should be valid. Anyone is more trustworthy than Mr Gress at this point. SECRET BALLOT GREAT IDEA! BRING IT ON AND THE TEACHERS WILL BE BACK TOMORROW!

Someone should set up a truly anonymous polling site for teachers to register their vote on accepting the BOE offer and returning to work. NO ONE should have access to anything other than the numerical results. What teachers vote and how they vote is not relevant. We know how the community feels, let the teachers vote in private. One question and a choice of two answers. Either accept the offer and return to work or hold out for more money and stay on strike.

I worked many years for a fortune 500 company. When business was good, raises were decent, and when business bad, there were no raises and thousands laid off. Now, when business was anticipated to be bad, but turned out better than expected, did the employees have the right to go back and demand the raises they didn't get? Absolutely not! Any additional revenue went to the stockholders. That's just what should happen in this case. The teachers have no right to ask for whatever surplus they think is in the district fund balance. That money belongs to the shareholders - the taxpayers! I really wish someone from the board would give us information on what legal recourse we have, if any, to remove any teacher that does not return to work. Surely there must be a deadline - teachers can't be allowed to strike indefinitely?!

@EVERYONE - The rank and file teachers are no different than their Union leaders. They ALL see no wrong in what they are doing, for they are all a part of the Educational Elite culture. Maybe a few here and there who had private sector experience before teaching may agree with us, by a clear super majority sees themselves as victims here.

Dan
11:06 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

If the school days are not counted as official by the state with the use of replacement teachers and volunteers then the tax payers should be issued a refund or tax credit because of services not provided due to a work stoppage just like a private sector company would do to those who pay for their servies . Also if the state does not allow the days to be official then the cost of the replacements and volunteers along with administrators should come from the schools reserves or a reduced offer to the teachers union negotiating committee to pay for the substitutes etc. which is sometimes common in labor negotiations.

Is there any formal community organization to support the BOE right now? Maybe the teachers really think they are still being supported? How do we send a loud and clear message that WE ARE DONE with the disturbance at LFHS? The teachers’ True Agenda has been exposed now… they need to go… relationships will never be the same. Folks, please look at the long term outcome. I’m trying to put my children’s needs aside right now, as painful as it is, to try to envision the long term results not only for the students, but also for the non-users/taxpayers. We want the best teachers, but clearly aren’t always getting them with the current system in place. I’m willing to extend the academic year (is that an option?) to hire new teachers because we need to stand united and create change NOW! My kids are athletes and they take APs, so I know just how much this would affect them. How do we let the BOE know we want them to STOP further negotiations and FIRE THEM ALL! My family is willing to make sacrifices; are any of you? We are forever disappointed that the teachers we supported over the years have NOT CROSSED THE PICKET LINE!

Good thing that's only one opinion.

The Illinois State law governing this issue can be found at:
(115 ILCS 5/) Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1177&ChapterID=19

A lot of what we are discussing is covered here, but I can not find anything regarding the schedule for replacing striking teachers. Section 14 begins to address the issue, but never quite gets there.

Can anyone find the relevant laws that cover our rights when it comes to replacing strikers?

@ Think before you type from 11:58 am. That is a great point and I know for a fact a female teacher crossed yesterday and was immediately bullied by her co workers. Once again so much for emotional wellness! It is a very difficult situation

From what I've heard from all the people I've talked with, One Opinion is expressing the views of the majority in the LF/LB community. I have yet to find a LFHS parent who is in support of the teachers' demands. Most are quite disgusted with our teachers at this point. We are ready to make major changes to benefit our children. Yes, we need a formal community parent organization!

Go Scouts! I know you already explained who you are but I am not buying it. Are you typing your posts while you are on the picket line?

After viewing the teachers Facebook site:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-Forest-Teachers/198222023643173

At the very least, we now know that @RalphKeen is a full-on teacher union activist, completely embedded in the Educational Elite worldview. His independent, above the fray, I'm more practical than you opinion pieces can now be fully ignored. His calls for "compromise" = give in to the union already.

@john Utah That's what I've come to learn what the union means by "compromise" as well. A well crafted buzz word that's used to deflect reality and put the onus on the BOE.

Neighbor, it's funny how you think anyone who is for the teachers must be a teacher. My bad, the word I was looking for is pathetic.

A partial response to Concerned Citizen: I understand that Elizabeth Christofylakis, Jim Gantt, Dan Coad have crossed the picket line, and Tony Filippo has come out of retirement to help.

If teaching were treated like any other profession, compensation would be based on performance and skill. Good teachers would be paid well and bad teachers would be shown the door. My wife teaches and has witnessed first hand the distinction unions create through usurious member rules and apathetic teachers abusing the system. Of course, there are dedicated individuals who truly care about the teaching profession. Unfortunately, that distinction is deluded when you are forced to be a member of a club that uses underhanded tactics to win. If they truly cared, this would have been initiated when school was out. How incredibly convenient they chose to go non strike when classes began.

Unions are breaking this country and we will hopefully, see a revolution that will push these bullies out for good

How ridiculous is the union for believing that they deserve the 'so called' surplus? Even if this surplus materializes their sense of entitlement is just plain wrong. Lets get the teachers back in the class room- or ask them to leave. The ones who get it will stay, the others, well, we dont want them teaching our kids any way.

http://chicagolampoon.blogspot.com/2012/09/oppressed-proletariat-of-lake-forest.html

BOE you are NOT Supported. Teachers deserve everything and more. why not raise that tiny little tax rate that you have and finally pay your FAIR SHARE!

I understand that the BOE cannot lawfully fire striking teachers. However, why are they not hiring replacements? (or perhaps they are and I just am unaware?) With the current job market in shambles, I would think we could easily find 150 HIGHLY qualified yet unemployed or underemployed teachers, substitutes, graduate students, engineers, professors, business people, lawyers, or other professionals willing to fill their spots - even if it's only temporary. I understand that if the LF teachers came back to work, they could demand their jobs, but at least the kids wouldn't be wasting so much time.

Teachers who want to come back should ask themselves if blindly supporting the union is worth having to look students and parents in the face when they finally do come back.
I am part of a teachers union that negotiates fairly and respectfully with the board every time our contract is up. If my union leaders did this, I would run across the picket line and never look back

A wise man once told me the worst part of kissing a frog was thinking about it. Now is the time to end the nonsense and get the kids back in school.

I am not sure I can look at the teachers the same again. What about the elementary schools - are those teachers going to walk out on our kids any time soon?

I don't imagine belonging to a union is exactly inexpensive. I wonder how many teachers truly feel the union provides them with their money's worth? How much higher would their income be if they didn't have to pay union dues? The teachers could just as easily take a vote to to quit the union and give themselves a raise (no more dues). However this would require a majority vote. I think the teachers would be far better off representing themselves, meet with the BOE (sans attorneys on both sides), put an end to the diatribe and rebuild the respect of the community. Lead by example and lead yourselves out of this mess.

I do love the theater of the teacher's feeble attempts to steal the moral high ground by blaming the fact that THEY walked out on the students on BOE. That is true tragic comedy. Bit would actually laughable if the teachers were not punishing the very children that they are claiming to protect.

The CPS teachers are reported to be jubilant over the agreement just reached which requires longer school days, 10 more days of instruction, a 3% pay increase for the first year of the contract, 2% for the second year and 2% for the third year, no more compensation for unused personal days, health insurance contribution rates would be frozen, and elimination of an "enhanced pension program." http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/18/us/illinois-chicago-teachers-strike/index.html

LFHS Union supporters: What do you say to your CPS colleagues who gave their time to come march "in solidarity" with you here on Monday and post on your Facebook page given that you are asking for WAY more than what they were happy to accept and you teach in conditions that they could only dream of having. Maybe just show them your video about the elite schools you attended and how superior you are... yeah, then they'll understand ... Come on! Don't you see how ridiculous you look now compared to the CPS teachers, many of whom deserve combat pay based on the challenges they face and conditions that they teach in every day? End this.

Average pay:
Lake Forest HS $106,000
Chicago PS $76,000
Average Illinois HS $67,000
Average National HS $55,000

Our teachers are getting paid almost double the average salary for high school teachers across the country.

If the teachers accomplish one thing with this strike, it will be to radically change the attitude of the taxpayer and of the BOE candidates. The next BOE will be populated by very bitter individuals who will deeply resent the way the Union has torn apart the bonds of trust that used to exist between the teachers and the community. It is sad to say that no one feels like the teachers are part of the community any longer. Instead, the teachers are no more than whores who have taken our children hostage and are demanding a huge ransom. There will be some mighty uncomfortable years for the foreseeable future and then comes the next bitter battle when the extortion begins anew with a tougher BOE.

The Union thrives on the hatred that it foments and the taxpayers hate the greed that the teachers shamelessly demonstrate as they parade with their silly yellow signs.

State says last two days of school at LFHS don't count as official attendance days:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-state-ed-board-school-in-lake-forest-without-teachers-shouldnt-count-20120918,0,2144449.story

Even though I'm not a huge Facebook user, my students are, and they have been stalking the lakeforestteachers page to see what and which teachers (and students)have been posting. This will be a hard year going forward. I can't believe the teachers think this page will earn them respect for the future. Even I became interested in who was featured. So very sad for D115.

I think I found the law that protects striking union teachers from being fired:
(5 ILCS 315/) Illinois Public Labor Relations Act.
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=108&ChapterID=2

"(5 ILCS 315/10) (from Ch. 48, par. 1610)
Sec. 10. Unfair labor practices.
(a) It shall be an unfair labor practice for an employer or its agents:
...
(3) to discharge or otherwise discriminate against a public employee because he has signed or filed an affidavit, petition or charge or provided any information or testimony under this Act;"

I should point out that there is nothing keeping us from hiring new teachers while the strike is on. It just looks like the striking teachers can choose to come back to work as long as the strike is in effect, which could be forever. I could find no long term time limits.

Now the fascinating part about all this is that I could find no contingency plan for dealing with a situation that never gets resolved. The laws appear to assume that the strike will always end at some point, and the strikers will always go back to work.

So if I read what I thought I read... and you got nothing but an "internets" guarantee that I have any clue at all... then the simplest way, and probably the ONLY way to get rid of the union, is to simply refuse to agree to a contract, hire new teachers, take back the ones who cross the line, Keep Calm and Carry On.

Seems to me that if we run the Old Picket Fence at 'em we will be able to get a clear shot from Jimmy Chipwood and we can win this tnimg now.
Anyone else agree?

@Spunky. It is only a news article about a spokesperson opinion, not s ruling.
LHFS can argue that they are having seminar days with educational components no different than other high schools in the state. But, yes, eventually the students will need to be taught the basics to qualify. In comparison, the CPS quality days of education comply with the state. Not a high hurdle for LFHS to meet.

Could we negotiate these terms after class is dismissed? We have from 330pm until 9pm everyday to negotiate the contract.....'m I missing something?

Also, I would like to say to the picketing teachers, walking with your signs in a elongated circle is from a time when union lines were meant to stop the use of what ever you were making.....what are you making? And why are you walking in a circle? Who cares! Just stand and hold you signs. Walking in a circle makes you look uneducated as to why strikes were originally created.

Does anyone know the terms of the tentative agreement?

Just that it's a 4 year ccontract.

I think going forward the taxpayers of our district need to have a forum set up where participants can discuss either anonymously or by using their names the issues pertaining to the schools. The exchange of information over the past week on The Patch threads has been very enlightening and it may prevent issues from going unknown in the future.

http://touch.chicagotribune.com/#section/544/article/p2p-72391765/
Teachers return to school this morning.