School board walks out on negotiations in Illinois high school teachers' strike.

[Critters2]

http://mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=390147

[Critters2]

1. Both sides issue statements--board rejects binding arbitration.

http://mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=390132

[Omaha Steve]

2. Great story

I posted a couple other teacher stories yesterday too. It seems the profession is taking a hit.

[Craftsman]

3. Property taxes are down in many areas and people are strapped for cash

It it nearly impossible to get a tax increase in the economy unless you want to loose your next election. My wife is a teacher and has seen the budget cut deep.

[Critters2]

4. The teachers in this case have made concessions from their original

negotiating points. They've said they'd go back to work if the board will agree to binding arbitration. The board is refusing to do so. The school board chair has said they won't go to arbitration because they fear the arbitrator would find in favor of the union. This is about power at this point. It's really irritating to see the board refusing to end the strike.

[Craftsman]

5. Power may be a small part of it, but it is about money