It's good to see kids voicing their opinions.

Here's a little video I made about the Candle Light Gathering tonight:
https://vimeo.com/49737035

Enjoy

"uniformed officers @ every exit" NOT.... Good to see the english department has done a great job encouraging creativity. Truth be told the school resource officer was the only one there in his street clothes. Nice try

So, the children have learned about respect and standing up for what they believe in. Thanks to all you teachers for giving them those tools. Thank goodness they didn't follow the lead of the parents writing comments on this site. Time to end the hatred, folks. Listen to how your children feel about teachers.

This is analysis of the teachers' union during our first strike ever: http://lfhs.pxxq.com/
We should have done more to prevent a recurrence.

Who died?

I hope the board didn't cave in too much to the outrageous demands of the LFEA ,whose lawyer fees were being paid by the IEA in contrast to those of Board 115.

The IEA is an extreme liberal organization that caters to teachers but does little (in fact it hinders) to improve the educational process for students here in Illinois.

I would wager that the nieve student who organized last night's Candle Light Gathering, or those who attended, do not know the type of strong armed union organization that the IEA represents. All teachers at LFHS pay dues to both the IEA and the NEA. The NEA has given several thousand dollars to the IEA to assist in electing Democrat candidates here in Illinois in November, who, like the IEA, is against school vouchers and home schooling.

This year's NEA convention in July in Washington, D.C., attended also by IEA members, urged members to offer their homes for house parties to encourage their friends to vote for Obama in the union's all-out advocacy to re-elect President Obama.

Any LFHS teacher who wasn't pleased with their already high salary should have had the dignity to resign and look for a better deal elsewhere. $30k above the state average is already a sweetheart deal for LFHS teachers.

LFHS teachers are not looked upon with favor throughout Illinois for their actions of the past several days. The IEA was directing their action and paying for all negotiating costs.

Ther respect for LFHS teachers has been sullied.

@Hercules Pitting students against their parents? Orwellian.

My oh my....WHAT are the Patchies going to do, now that it's over, besides go home and write property tax checks for the next four years?

Given all the rage on this board, where is all this projected self-dissatisfaction going to be targeted next?

Thank God for the unions...here's hoping another one strikes soon, or you'll all be left...to yourselves...

It was a lark, Patch. See you in the funny papers.

JDR

Correction: The NEA has given mega dollars in the hundred of thousands to the IEA to help elect Democrat candidates in November. This is dues money paid to the NEA by teachers.

One typo in my last post. I meant to say in my last sentence: Respect for LFHS teachers have been sullied.

>I would wager that the nieve student <

A coda....that's "naive," Nancy. Not even close, dear. No wonder you don't like teachers.

@LT - Amen. The Union drove a stake through through the heart of what was formerly a great relationship. You can try to patch it back together, but it will never be the same. There will always be this scar. Perhaps another memorial service is in order. We can erect a monument thanking Chuck Gress for the legacy of hate that he leaves behind as he rides his golden retirement horse into the sunset.

I worked at the school yesterday and must say that the LFHS administration did an excellent job putting a program together for our children in such a short time. This strike was a difficult situation for our community. The kids certainly and understandably just want their regular routine, but it wasn't possible. However, the alternate school day truly worked. The guest speakers and programs offered were quite impressive. In all the programs I attended throughout the day, the kids were listening and engaged. They were NOT watching videos. In fact, there was not one video shown in the class I worked with. The kids were safe. The school was not a jail in any way. The kids were not allowed to run wild - just as in a normal school day. The administration put on serious and beneficial programs for our kids. I was quite impressed with the guest speakers. Clearly, this couldn't go on for much longer. The two days were certainly different, but definitely worthwhile in the long run. They were certainly a great bonding experience for our kids and community. They had an opportunity to talk and be with all the kids in their class, not just the ones they see each regular school day. My children definitely wanted to go back to school today - strike or no strike - when I gave them the option of staying home if the strike continued.

In addition to being critical of the Union, it would not be fair to load all of the blame on them. Two very serious questions need to be asked:

1) Where was our new super-duper best that money can buy Superintendent during this whole process? He was doing his best Claude Raines impression during this entire affair. I'm not seeing the value in his salary right now; and

2) Why didn't the School Board have a better strike plan? They need to start planning NOW for the next contract negotiation. Require teachers to submit classroom plans so that substitutes can be brought in. Line up substitutes and bring them in from out of town if necessary. Now that the Union has shown its true colors and we know that they are prepared to use our kids as hostages, not being prepared is unforgivable.

Sorry James Rittner, but I mean to write "naive."

I was a teacher in both PA and NJ before moving to Illinois in 1972.

I was a music teacher at a time when there were no teacher unions,
having graduated from college in 1960, and then going on to earn
my master's degree in Music Ed.

Unions were necessary at one time (My starting salary was $5,000.), but
now unions, such as the one representing teachers, have gotten too powerful
with demands that have become too rich to be paid for by taxpayers.

I do like teachers, but teachers at LFHS already have a sweet deal. When
is enough, enough?

May I hear from a teacher who might enlighten me on how much would be enough?

This strike between the LFHS teachers and the community has left many of us bitter. The relationship between the two parties is now one of distrust. What will some of the returning teachers fill our children's ears with? Nancy J T., writes "when is enough, enough?" Never, as long as we retain the same greed filled union teachers.

Nancy, if you are going to start talking about organizations supporting political figures than you need to note that Lake Forest had a fund raiser that raised 4 millioin dollars for Mitt Romney. Obviously some could look at that and say the same thing regarding funding large sums of money to a political campaign in order to get somebody elected to office. Isn't that what people do in America? So why is it so wrong? I guess if we are going to complain about the NEA or IEA giving money to political candidates we should also complain about Lake Forest residents raising 4 million dollars for Mitt Romney. I am sure if so many people are struggling in this community that they could have donated some of that money to the struggling famlies.

>The NEA/IEA takes a % of someone's union dues and gives it to Democrats, regardless of whether or not that person supports Democrats personally. <

So what? Unions lobby. This is news, or improper? Or is it just rankling because they don't support YOUR approved politicians?

>Never, as long as we retain the same greed filled union teachers.<

Well, you have three options.

1) Leave the community, and move to one where your tax dollars pay for non greedy or non union teachers.

2) Get elected to the Board, or vote for candidates who will hire non greedy teachers.

3) Complain about it anonymously on an Internet blog.

Let me guess which one you'll do....

@Mark - those are moderate Republicans in a Democrat-leaning district and state. The IEA-NEA hedges their bets. Please anyone go to....

http://www.ieanea.org/media/2012/08/2012-2013-Legislative-Platform.pdf

....and read the legislative platform. There is no doubt which side of the aisle they align with. My bad for using the label "Democrats" in blue Illinois...

>There is no doubt which side of the aisle they align with<

Again, so what? Democrats support unions. Unions support democrats. Not seeing why this is a question at all. I'm assuming that if you are a member of an organization, you would like to see its donations go to politicians who support it?

>Thanks for more motivation!<

Elections are next year, "John Utah." Of course, then you'll have to a) not hide behind an anonymous handle and b) represent a community, not just yourself and c) deal with issues that require considerably more complexity and accountability of response rather than just crafting insults on a blog.

I'm not gloating. You think I'm gloating because they settled? Who knows what the terms are. I'm happy the strike is over, aren't we all?

And how did I create this mess? I don't live in the District. I'm not a teacher. I'm just another annoying, opinionated blogger like all the rest of us here.

>how is the NEA that represents them giving donations to politicians they support? <

The union represents its own interests in its donations. Teachers are welcome to support anyone they care to as individuals.

If teachers don't want to be in a union, there are plenty of non-union teaching institutions to work for. Private schools, some public ones, community colleges...the list is endless.

>I haven't crafted insults<

You are correct, my apologies for saying that.

>In our schools non-union teachers are forced to pay union dues<

They are "forced" because they took a job in a unionized workplaces. But no one "forced" them to do that...they can take work in a non-union school. Of course, the pay is usually less :)

They can't have it both ways. These poor, trapped conservative teachers had no problem banking the large salaries and generous pensions that their union negotiated for them, for years. But then when a strike hit, suddenly they are politically compromised?

I totally respect a conservative teacher's desire to not be part of union...by avoiding taking a job in a union school. But if they are going to work there, and reap the benefits (bloated or not) that the union has provided...it's pretty weak to cry foul when the union goes on strike, or support politicians that support them.

As a student that attended the vigil, I'd like to say that it wasn't meant to offend anyone. We wanted to just get a group together and talk about how we wanted the teachers back. It was like prison without them. Bathroom doors were locked, we were trapped inside of the school. It doesn't matter anymore because the strike is over, but 'haters' of the vigil can shut up because we didn't do it to please them. We did it for our teachers and THEY appreciated it; thats all that matters.

I agree with the person above, I'm a student who attended. We made it clear that we weren't representing either side we were just there for our teachers. So it doesn't matter how the strike ended, we were just expressing how most of the students felt on the days without teachers, we weren't trying to be mean we understand that there was nothing else you could do.

Don't forget the Ninja Warriors on the roof, food rations & strip searches @ the door. Now click your slippers & come back from OZ catlover

"Teach your children well..."

Based on the majority of the comments about the strike, here's what I think you "adults" have taught our children:
- Online bullying is ok.
- Name calling, derogatory comments, and personal insults are ok.
- Only seeing things from your own point of view is ok.
- Compromising in any form is not ok.
- Placing a high value on education and being willing to pay for it is not ok.
- Teaching is not an admirable occupation and teachers should not earn the same wages as "professionals" in Lake Forest.
- Lake Forest is full of very angry, educated, wealthy, petulant people.

Good job. What a great place to live.

The students from LFHS that are posting here should be given an extra measure of respect. Regardless of which side they're on, it shows that they are willing to participate in honest debate.

I've certainly changed my opinions over the years. My experiences have shaped me and affected my outlook. If there had been a teacher's strike when I was a student at LFHS, I'm not so sure that I would have even had an interest in getting involved. Kudos to the students that are willing to be participants as opposed to bystanders.

@fact checker
1. Prison's don't have ninjas on the roof.
2. OZ wouldn't lock the bathroom doors.

@Chris Miller
Yeah these parent's aren't really representing Lake Forest very well. I'd like to see them go through what us students went through on monday and tuesday.

I honestly cannot tell if you are being sarcastic or not. Also, I am a lady. Not a lad.

Not really.

But yeah, thanks for completely changing the subject, Jen. Too 'chicken' to continue with the actual problem at hand I see...

School is about learning and for the students that weathered the storm of the last couple of days by showing up I thank & applaud you. You may not realize it now but you did in fact learn. A very valuable lesson not found in books but will prove beneficial to you for years to come. Adaptation... making the best of a difficult situation, finding balance within the storm. There is no need to embellish. The police were not at the doors, Howe security was there assisting with traffic, drop offs & issues in the parking lots. The bathrooms were not locked I found one (open) when I needed it as did my two sons. If one was locked probably accidental not malicious & there are many other bathrooms in the school. My senior went off campus for lunch (he has parental permission) my younger one didn't. Curiosity got them to school on Monday, requirement brought them back Tuesday. On both evenings they shared with my husband & I what was interesting & informative and what was "lame" but they made the best of it with no regrets for having gone. They never once felt trapped, scared or jailed. They were grateful to return to academics & curriculum today. My husband & I were as well, The situation was not ideal it just was.

The Patch is the sorriest collection of losers on the Internet. Seriously, and I'm one of them for participating. I've been on many blogs, and some of them get pretty riled, but the Patch wins for having the worst cast of characters around. Angry, brainless, spiteful and socially retarded...that pretty much sums up your typical Patch poster.

Says tons about the site itself too, and the tasteless people who run it. Again, I'm no better, since I'm here...but now, finally, I am leaving.

JDR

Both sides should leave the kids out of in my opinion. Check back with these kids in 20 years and their reactions might be very different.

@James Rittner I've read your posts and you basically described yourself. So, good riddance JDR.

@fact checker
Sorry, lady. We didn't learn anything. Not how to adapt, and sure as hell nothing worthwhile.

Is there a comprehensive source for parent rights regarding LFHS or Illinois public schools overall? I have been digging in the LFHS and state of Illinois sites but have not located it. The events of the past week have made me extremely motivated to thoroughly question every grade, assignment, lesson plan, and overall curriculum for my child. Until recently, I had given the LFHS teachers way too much benefit of the doubt as I had been led to believe these were “the best” educators. Now that I have been awaken to the fact that I am paying top tax dollars for poor character frauds I want to ratchet up every point of accountability. I encourage all parents to do the same. There is no way we can trust them to act in our children’s best interest after we just witnessed them do the opposite. It should also reinforce the feelings of many, many in the community that they are no longer wanted here. They used every available option to extort the community and hurt our children for their self-interests – now we have to know the extent of our options to protect the community and our children from them.

Steve Janowski-Personally I don't care if only 2 students showed up (re-your comment above about seeing only 10 students in the photo). If you would have taken the time to read the article you would have seen a number of 25. Seems to me all you want to do is stir the pot at anyone's expense rather than seek solutions. The forms turned into the Union and BOE had 30 names. Keep in mind this had an advance notice of only a few hours. I'm proud of all the students that showed up to support people they value in a non-partisan way. At least these students were looking to be part of a solution rather than sitting around complaining.

Perhaps I should arrange a candlelight vigil at Market Square for the LF taxpayers whose property taxes will continue to rise at unsustainable levels in order to pay for bloated teacher and administrative salaries and pensions. I think I'll need to take out a home equity line to pay for them in a few years, assuming I still have home equity.

And I better not get any crap for saying this, I'm just supporting people and opinions that I value....

@rasme I think the best solution is to stay informed and stay vigilant. It's an election year so ask your LOCAL representatives where they stand on the issue.
@John great summary - especially the apathy part and history repeating itself.

@Mark Stein - If I have this correctly, everyone has to pay at the very least some kind of "fair share" fee to the union. You are saying that the fair share fee is not used for political contributions, but is still going to the union nonetheless correct?

This is the same logic that says that even though the federal government gives funds to Planned Parenthood, taxpayer money is not being used towards providing abortion services. This is because PP says it "specifically targets" the federal money for family planning counseling, HIV testing, STD treatments and not abortion services. It's a clever sleight of hand, but I don't agree with it. Whatever % of their funds they use towards abortions, is how much the taxpayer just paid for abortion services.

So if I give $100 to the union (even if it's the net of my "fair share" fee), and the union spends 20% of all its funds towards political action, then I just gave $20 to the union for political action. It is a fallacy to suggest all my $100 went to contract negotiation and not politics. My $100 went 20% to politics, 25% to contracts, etc.

Am I missing something?

Can a non-union member teacher at LFHS elect to give $0 to the union? If so, what services do they lose out on?

I like how you adults turned this from a kind act by students into a political pissing contest. Don't make this more than it was. It was a vigil to help bring back our teachers. The invite was sent out to more than 500 students at around 2pm tuesday afternoon, and the fact that anyone showed up a all is a big win for us. We didn't do it to piss off the taxpayers, it wasn't meant in an offensive way. We wanted our teachers back and dammit, it must have helped because here I am right now, sitting in a classroom, being taught CURRICULUM content by my CERTIFIED teacher. I'd rather have normal, homework giving teachers and class than another day of what the school put together for Monday and Tuesday. Please excuse my typos, I'd hope you can all be mature enough to respond to my content, and not start a petty war over the spelling of 'naive'.

@Mark Stein, here's a summary for everybody:

Union members - Union can assess a fee for pay/benefits negotiated. Union says a member can choose not to fund political action because the Union says so internally after doing some calculations. A certain % of money that the union receives from this member actually does go to progressive/liberal political action instead, regardless of the union members views.

Non-union members - In LF, they must pay a net fair share fee because the Union bargained for it with the Board to get access to their money. Union says this net fair share fee does not go towards political action, because the Union says so internally after doing some clever calculations. A certain % of this fee from the non-union member actually does go towards progressive/liberal political action instead, regardless of the non-union members views.

In summary: Union and non-union members are forced to fund liberal political action regardless of their political views, and the Union lies to them via clever accounting when they say the person can elect not to.

Thanks for clarifying.

John Utah-Were you sitting in the room when the offers were going back and forth, do you know ALL the details of what was negotiated, do you care to take the time and really look for facts, do you have or have you ever had a child attend LFHS, how many LFHS teachers (that you've lumped into one group) have you talked to to see how they felt about the negotiations, do you support yourself and/or a family, why do you feel the need to PICK ON KIDS!

I think that the teachers had their own reasons to ask the raise that they did. You weren't there, and neither was I.

I knew someone would accuse me of being a teacher-I am not. I have 4 children, 2 in college and 2 at LFHS. It sickens me when I think about the teachers that have impacted my children's lives being treated so poorly. You proved exactly what is wrong with this blog. Lack of respect for each other and an inability to debate in a civil manner.

My last response was intended for Mosober.

Okay, let's have a civil debate (even though we have, it's just union supporters that think we haven't). @LF Mom, do you think the 3% raise offered by the Board was a fair offer to the teachers in this economy? Why or why not?

Once again, ADULTS. You are all acting like 7th graders. Hiding behind screen names and bullying each other. It's ridiculous. Man up, email each other, and battle this shit out in person. This article was NOT titled, "LFHS Students Hold Vigil to Piss Off Everyone and Start a War Amongst Immature Parents and Various Adults."
So stop. This is stupid and you guys are all being ridiculous. This atricle does not mention the politics of things. We were a group of students wanting our teachers back. We didn't bring signs and cheer that our teachers deserved the raises and other things they wanted. No. We just wanted them back, under whatever circumstances would bring them back. This isn't a political war. Go to the other articles about the strike and duke it out there, but leave the comments on here to students that were there and teachers that were supported. Act your age, not your shoe size.

I know the discussion isn't about the vigil. That's why I'm upset. You adults act all tough and start political wars on an article that is so innocent. It makes you all look stupid.
Screw your suggestion. I don't swear because I wanna sound grown up. I swear because I grew up with a bunch of military veterans that swear nonstop. It's how I was raised.

CatLoverr-you're right. In trying to defend what was a good thing I sucked into this. I'm sure your family and friends know what an amazing person you are. You are wise beyond your years. I'm really glad you're Kevin's friend!

@CatLoverr - you rock!

typo-got sucked into...

@Jen: You are not worth my time.
@ Chris: Thank you for supporting me. Yeah, some of these "adults" aren't as mature as you'd expect.
@LF Mom: Thank you, also.
@ Spunky: You too!

Actually, Jen. Let me address your reply.
Allegedly? Why would I make up growing up with a military family? Every male in my dads family, him, his 4 brothers, his father, his uncles, and his grandfathers have all served this country. Each one in a different branch. My father was a Marine, and my uncle that I live with was in the Air Force. They aren't embarrassing themselves on a blog with swearing, I'm just typing how I would speak these words to your face. I am 16 and I swear. I grew up with a swearing family, my parents divorced and they swore a lot. It's natural to me, so learn to respect it. I will not be spoken to like I am worthless. You are an adult, or so you claim to be. Act like one. Man up. Or woman up. My language is fine, and my quality of thought is fantastic. I worry about you, Jen. i really do. Your "veteran" friends and family should probably give you a little lesson on respect, because you have no idea how to treat people younger than you.

@cat - my father was a ombat veteran of two wars. One thing he knows is honor. He also taught me tht you take responsibility for what you way ad do. Blaming your foul mouth on your family is not honorable. It is a disgrace and you shame their honor. Please grow up.

^^Not worth a reply.

@ Me and Jen--If I didn't know better, I would say you two are father and daughter. In fact, I am pretty sure of it. Leave CatLoverr alone; she does rock, truly. I am glad sje did whatever made her feel connected to her school and her friends. The kids have shown the way. They are grateful and know how to appreciate the right things. What has happened to the adults in this place? Everyone, breathe.

To the LFHS students, how about we talk policy? Is the 3% raise that the Board offered the teachers a fair offer in today's economy? Why or why not?

Probably, because it will shut you up and that is all any of us could EVER ask for.

Let's review this. The children unknowingly entered a hot political/ social environment to make a statement. Adults try to come to their rescue.
The real reason for the vigil? So, one or two student organizers could write an essay about it for their college applications. Again, the students were abused for some one else's benefit. Open you eyes!

@Cat - Investigate the Stockholm Syndrome. You have been played.

@john utah From my perspective, the kids are worked up here because they feel their story has been thread jacked. They held a vigil for emotional, personal reasons and would like to leave it at that. I also think you made your point when asking them to articulate their view on whether the pay increases being offered by the board were fair and why, to which no student seriously responded. My point, they're still kids with limited life/working experience. The Patch allows its users to blog independently. Why not start a topic of your choice and move the conversation there? You come across as being informed so why let the debate get diluted here? Just my two cents.

My position & my comments have avoided money talk & personal feelings towards the teachers & the strike. That was not my (or my husband's) priority. Ours was the emotional health & well being of the students in the middle of more adversity. We are a community but one summer removed from a semester riddled with tragedy. I never made accusations as to responsibility for the current adversity, I offered support to the kids, my husband was in another support role with the emotional health & well being of the children being priority. I never criticized the vigil, that was a healthy response that took an unhealthy turn with the egregious embellishments being voiced regarding the atmosphere within the school. Having offered two days to support the students (no other motives) I found the lies offensive. Even more offensive was finding out there were teachers encouraging unrest & focus on the negativity of the situation via facebook. Poor judgement poor leadership & example setting and it leaves me questioning the genuine concern in helping our students learn & develop healthy coping skills while facing adverse situations. My faith in their (teachers) concern is gone, lost, dead. Inexcusable unhealthy behavior they should be ashamed of. Ive said enough the actions, justifications and response have spoken volumes.

CatLoverr-I promise this will be the last thing I say. Just because students do not engage in the conversation you want to pull them into does not mean they are not educated and understand the situation. It means they are staying true to their purpose which was not taking one side but having the maturity to support both. Staying true to your cause despite what others believe is a character trait I fully respect. I don't believe they are lying in telling what their experience was, it was what they saw and felt. It has made me sick to see how low adults will go just to get the upper hand in a discussion with someone much younger than them. Honestly folks-did that make you feel good? To take sincere emotions and turn it into something ugly without making any attempt to understand or look for facts is the saddest lesson these students will learn from adults outside the school. I'm pleased that my children's teachers have been their friends and mentors and would never teach them the things learned here.

@catLoverr: Enjoy the peace corps............

GoBig, who are you? We need to meet up. Assuming you're a student.

It's not over. It's just starting.

Not at the rally, but know several who were. Allergic to cats. Loved the video though.

@ go big: Guess we have 2 for the peace corp

@Mosober. Feel better, now?

Cause your're looking smaller. Go Big

Just posted a link on the "LFHS strike ends/6 days" thread from yesterday's WSJ regarding Illinois pensions and Federal bailouts. Come join the discussion there. This, for many taxpayers, is digging deeper into the REAL, core issues.

Dear Gary,
Please shut up. We all know that you're out of your freaking mind, that's why you didn't get elected for school board when you ran. And if you're reading this then the answer is yes, we all know you're Gary Finley so please be quite and go do something with you're life. Go dancing, kiss a girl, do something besides sitting at home on you're computer harassing minors.

Love,
Someone whos ass you can kiss =^.^=

"write something like that". "this" would refer to the comment you posted. So, Me, what you obviously meant to say was:
"@Kid - As ugly and hateful as you see the adult comments on these issues, they never really stoop to the level of immaturity that you are demonstrating. You say you are all grown up but then you write something like that."

This was the type of student that used to graduate from LFHS (class of 2010) gracious and appreciative.
http://gazebonews.com/2012/09/19/applause-for-lake-forest-strike-education-plan/
I fear the teachers antics have sparked a definite regression in integrity...case and point the contentious & trite responses I receive Concerned and well too tied to this community to* move*

http://gazebonews.com/2012/09/19/applause-for-lake-forests-strike-education-plan/

Gary, you need to look at ALL comments that were posted in the past week. You will find much verbal abuse from the other side.

Alright how many times have I told you adults to leave? DO NOT MAKE ME TURN THIS CAR AROUND. But seriously, you guys keep bringing up the money and the raises and the pension crap. THAT IS NOT WHAT THE VIGIL WAS ABOUT. THAT IS NOT WHAT THE COMMENTS SHOULD BE ABOUT. If you wanna argue about whether or not the vigil itself was in good taste, then so be it. Bring it on. But Bringing the more political side is just ruining the integrity of what we did. It was not a political statement. I'm paraphrasing my very first comment when I say "We did not do it to please you, parents, we didn't do it to please anyone. We did it to show our teachers that we love, care about, and miss them and thats all that matters." Please, act your age and let this be.
Also Gary, start your own blog to have your financial fights, and the rest of you follow him. This ends now. Theres a reason no one votes for you.
I refuse to have the kindness of what Kevin did be stained with your politics. Leave this alone. Drop it. Go somewhere else and argue, because this was meant to show support, not start a "political pissing contest", as I said earlier, between you adults that feel the need to shove your ideas down the throats of others to gain power.

Let's all tell the truth for a change. The strike was about their salary increases.

@CatLoverr is the only mature voice on this forum. The petulance, condescension, resentment and self-righteous anger of the "adults" here is beyond sad and not a little grotesque. Bullying is right. Unbelievable cowardice.
@ChrisMiller: Right on. What a troubled community.

@Louis Thank you. It really means a lot.

@Gary: It won't let me reply to you again. You did not bring knowledge into this, you brought crazy and unnecessary politics. Leave this conversation, you are not wanted here.

Stockholm Syndrome

Soooo........the message to the teachers was "you walked out on us and we really don't care why. And even though you walked out on us for money and you lie to us and tell us it wasn't about money, we really think you are great and we want you to come back". Do I have that straight?

Just saying that I'm really glad that folks like I.M Weasel, Gary and RationaTht are NOT teachers as they seem to think it's more important to tell people WHAT to think instead of teaching them HOW to think for themselves. Thank God for students whose minds were open enough to acknowledge there were likely issues on BOTH sides that needed to be addressed and who held a vigil in the hope both sides would come to the table and negotiate in good faith and without emotional diatribes. There are very few circumstances in any disagreement in which one side is completely right or wrong. For the record, I am not a teacher, I do not live in LF. I do live over the border in WI--where teachers unions were decimated by our Governor (who I voted for--twice). You all live in a highly affluent city--if you want lower taxes--come deal with public education in WI and see how well your kids do!... I am just simply amazed by some of the childish behavior exhibited by adults on this site.

@cat - thank you for admitting that this vigil thing was in fact not just support for your teachers, it was in support of your teacher's cause. I don't think that I have admonished you for anything other than not being honest. I do criticize your teachers for manipulating you but that is more of a union tactic than an individual decision. It has been said many times, the parents really do like the teachers, we are just angry that they used kids as hostages in order to get their extra money.

@outsider - you really are an outsider and you really don't have a clue. This is not about union busting. These teachers are paid VERY well and only a few extremists have suggested that they be brought down to market pay levels. The consensus is that we offered them a generous 3% raise and they decided to take our children hostage in order to get twice that. Please be better informed next time or please remain on the outside.

@Me
The vigil was not in support of the teachers choices. My PERSONAL belief is that they deserved the raises. That had nothing to do with the vigil. I did not plan the candle lighting. The people that went each had different opinions on the strike. But the vigil itself was non-political, and was ONLY for the purpose of showing our teachers that we wanted them back. No politics involved.

@Outsider:
You are...as your screen name states, an OUTSIDER. You don't live here so you don't understand the situation as much as the people who are living it. No offense, but you don't have much of a say in this conversation.

@Outsider - For someone who is so well informed, you are severely lacking in some basic information. My conversation with you is finished. Good day.

@cat - Just as a hostage taker might send a note that says "give me money or I will kill your child", I hostage taker might also send a note that says "give me money or I will kill your child's education for this year". This is especially true of the children in 12th grade who are applying for college. This is what the teachers did. They used the leverage of saying that it would only hurt them a little bit to hold out but the damage to the children would be immeasurable. Nice folks huh? Don't forget, these are the people who are "passionate" about your education.

@JR - You are either naive or you are lying to yourself. The teachers' union knows precisely what leverage it holds. That leverage is the child's education that is being withheld until the School Board caves in to their demands. Since YOU brought them into the discussion, when was the last time you saw the clergy go on strike because they wanted a raise? Your time sacrifice comment is laughable. If you compare the number of hours a teacher (or even a teacher/coach) spends at school, preparing lessons, grading papers, practicing and at games it would not even approach the 50+ hours that many similarly compensated professionals spend at their jobs. 50 hours a week times 47 weeks (that is 52 weeks less 3 weeks vacation less 10 paid holidays) a year is 2350 hours on the job in the private sector. On top of that, the vast majority of the taxpayers aren't millionaire execs. When I travel on business, I catch 6:30am flights out and I usually return home near 11:00pm. These hours aren't included in the calculation. Lets see you math that totals 2350 hours for the average teacher. However, this is not the issue. Our teachers are already in the top 1% in the state and we were offering 3% plus "lane changes". That wasn't enough for them and they used our kids as leverage to demand more. THAT is what this is all about.

...And by the way, as for the hours I mentioned working as a teacher -on another site, I did not have enough 'character space' to keep typing about all the other 'jobs' a teacher will have to do outside of just teaching classes and coaching. You really think that tutoring students, meeting with parents either by person, phone, or email, grading high level course tests-and not by scantron, going to daily and weekly team meetings, etc., and posting grades/homework, etc. on the computer (there are many more jobs I or any teacher can mention here) are all laughable and basically wasteful hours? Can you compare this to sleeping on a plane and driving to the airport a few hours a day?

@jr - I earn about as much as Chuck Gress. I do have a masters degree and I have 25 years of experience in my field. From my salary, I pay into Social Security (risky investment at best), I pay into my own retirement account (plus 4% from employer) and I pay about $3,000 per year toward my health plan. On the remainder, yes, I am able to live in Lake Forest. Last year I also got 0% as an increase an a portion of the health care cost increases were passed through to employees. Was I happy? No. However, if I didnt like it, I always have the option of seeking employment elsewhere. Will I get a super big raise this year to compensate for last year? No way. That is how things work in the real world. Do I want their job? No, so don't make the juvenile comment that if I want their compensation I should have been a teacher. What I want them to be is PROFESSIONAL and to not use our children as pawns in their chess game focuses on getting fatter raises.

@JR You seem very involved and passionate towards the complete health of this community where you live and work hard to afford to live here (overall misconception being it all came easy). Curiosity forces me to level the playing field and "ponder out loud" as is my background & nature... what would those in favor of the strike for 'justified' (excessive) raises think of a police or fire strike? They serve the community (both parents & children) and have pay scales that are based on those of neighboring communities . This is not big city but LFHS is not CPS. They are college educated and some have chosen to live in the community with kids @ LFHS who (I met a couple last monday & tuesday). Now before being called ignorant, I am aware that their contracts prevent them from the ability to strike but beyond that there are a good deal of 'service sector' similarities except 3% cost of living raises are acceptable to them and they stay for careers. Beyond the bitter aftertaste left from a ticket I still could (and will) argue, they are very genuine & caring people with great community relations. Hmmmmm food for thought yes?

PS. ME & JR am I wrong or are you two arguing against each other from the same side? Sure appears that way.

I probably should have resisted bringing that to this thread & kept it to why I signed in. I wanted to say thank you to the students who's behaviors & responses have been both educational & helpful. A final thought to the students would beto be honest with yourselves and to Kevin's mother. Replace 'scared' with angry and frustrated Ben. The 'police officers @ the doors' were parent volunteers who informed you that if you left school without parental permission you could be caught & cited for truancy (and yes we were well aware that some left & weren't caught). The presentations were not just 'movie watching' Cat but you opted not to find any interest as was your choice. You students arrived @ school having been told by the teachers 'what a joke' this was & we were there to threaten & muscle them back (that was what was said to me from teachers) and some of you treated the volunteers as 'the enemy' not polite but unfortunately anticipated. Your choice for the vigil was healthy, your words and actions towards those who offered help was not. So be it. Back to school you are so enjoy. Til we meet again....

CatLoverr-The only reason I check this is to be sure you are OK. Not that I don't don't think you can handle yourself it's just that there seems to be no low adults will go to try to get the upper hand with you. You will never get these people to understand so maybe it's time to walk away. No one can ever change what was in your heart and you have demonstrated what a fine person you are. My next post will be a bit long, keep what you did in mind when you read it.

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway. In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. Words to live by from Mother Theresa.

I agree, LFMom. You're right. These adults have no standards and are definitely not above insulting minors behind a screen name. Thank you for looking out for me.

@LF Mom: I heart you. Glad there are some decent people posting here.

@CatLoverr: I agree with @LF Mom that walking away from rigid, abusive people is always best. It will save you peace of mind. Some people are closed for good and you won't reach them no matter what you say. Dialogue and exchange of ideas only work when there's some openness in the humanity of your partner. Clearly, that humanity is lacking in some here, evinced by their willingness to go after others. I won't say they are behaving like children, because most kids I know are a lot kinder. No, they're sad little reprobates. Go lead a better life. Cheers.

Will do. They aren't worth my time anymore.