CAT Tracks for December 4, 2002 MORE CLOAK AND DAGGER

Word circulated early Tuesday morning that a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon...

Reportedly, ISBE and CSD #1 are prepared to "sign off" on the performance agreement that was drawn up during closed-door meetings at the Central Office on October 29th and in Chicago on November 22nd. This agreement - drawn up without any union input - will set the standards to be met by District personnel...an accountability that will most certainly have a direct impact upon your terms and conditions of employment.

It was further rumored that a group of eight (8) teachers - two per building - would be "invited" to attend...although their role as participants has yet to be clarified. In fact, it appears that the "invitees" have yet to be chosen and it is unclear whether it will be a draft or a selection from volunteers. Evidently, the principals (at least one) are "in the dark" about the meeting also...responding to a request by a volunteer with "Sure...uh...what meeting?"

So...just what is the purpose of this meeting? To solicit input from the people who will do the actual work and be held accountable for same...or as simple "window dressing"...an attempt to legitimize the "done deal" presented to employees at the District-wide meeting held on November 12, 2002 by ISBE representatives? Only time will tell...

If the meeting is to truly seek input on a realistic performance agreement, it will be a first step...an exploration of options...a consideration of strategies. AND...it will NOT be a "sign off" ceremony. In fact, there can be no sign off at this stage. To be realistic and fair, the "invitees" must return to their colleagues and solicit input as to how best raise achievements levels for all students in Cairo School District Number One...a goal with which no one will argue.

However, if the meeting is simply to have teachers "present" - on record...of "having provided input"...of "approving" of the performance agreement...then it will simply represent more of the same...further widening the chasm that separates the Cairo Board of Education and District administration from its hard-working, dedicated employees.

The powers that be need to quit looking for ways to get around their employee unions - alternating between ignoring and attacking us - and actively solicit our participation as PARTNERS, all having a vested interest in improving the educational environment - the "educational product" - of Cairo School District Number One.

ONLY THEN will there be any hope of "making a significant difference"!