From My Puppy Pulpit

Well it looks like teacher contract negotiations are off to a good start even though the negotiations will not be done in open session. Even though the negotiations will not be done in open session, both sides have made unprecedented steps to make the content of the negotiations more public than ever before.

Bongo thinks this is a good idea, but would have preferred that the contract talks be done in full open session to ensure no funny business from either side. Specifically, Bongo hopes that two certain board members don’t try to play both sides of the fence as they have done with other issues where they were supposed to be representing the school district’s best interest over another party’s interests (i.e. Moore Turf Care).

Both sides agreed that the initial full proposals will be made public. Also, the teachers union and the district's negotiating team will throw the public a bone twice each month by making joint statements about the progress of the negotiations. Each side will be allowed to have up to nine members, plus two additional observers who can not participate in the discussions. The ultimate agreement will also be made public at least three days prior to the board’s vote on the contract.

School board member Mike Skala has voluntarily stepped away from anything having to do with the negotiations and votes since his wife is a French teacher at Huntley High School. Bongo also thinks this is a good idea; not because he thinks Mr. Skala would behave inappropriately, but his removal from the process removes any appearance of impropriety whatsoever.

Bongo wishes both sides the best of luck and hopes the negotiations are quick, painless, and fair to all.