CAT Tracks for May 7, 2003 A TRAGIC LOSS...

As you have undoubtably heard by now, Cairo School District Number One lost an excellent teacher, the CAT lost a strong advocate, and I lost a friend last night...

The tragic news began to spread early this morning...the unbelievable news...that Steve Kohn was killed during last night's violent storms. His beloved son Daniel suffered broken arms, but his life was spared when Steve took the brunt of a chimney that literally exploded when the storm hit. His wife, Julie, was severely bruised, but (hopefully) escaped without serious injury. However, the family lost everything...house, cars, etc. I talked to many of you today and know that you share the family's grief and offer your support at this time. I have conveyed that message to Julie and have encouraged her to let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

Steve prided himself on projecting a gruff exterior. However, during my close association with him during some very trying times, I got to know the truly caring person behind that facade.

A more devoted family man you would not find. Steve and Julie were on the road constantly - afternoons, nights and weekends - attending soccer practices and matches...and never a complaint. Oh, maybe Steve did take a nap or two at lunch time...recharging the old batteries for the next excursion. And, just when he thought those active days were drawing to a close as their kids were getting older...along came Danny! But, Steve didn't miss a beat. He took an active role in helping to raise his son...instilling a love of reading and learning. The pride in Steve's voice when he related Danny's educational accomplishments was unmistakeable. And when Danny was being somewhat mischievious...well, like father, like son! I remember when Danny played hookey from Kindergarten. Steve thought it was so funny...until the next day...when Danny did it again. That's when Steve read Danny the riot act...that Danny did not decide when to stay home...that was Mommy and Daddy's decision.

One of the frequently cited "standards" for teacher evaluations is "Demonstrates an enthusiasm...a love for the subject matter." That's Steve. Anyone who ever worked around Steve knows that his love of and commitment to computers was unwavering. If something needed to be dropped from the curriculum, then take your pick...Math, English, Social Studies...but...don't even think about computers! Selfish, you say? Steve would readily agree...and would NOT be apologetic.

But...on the "selfish" note. Steve was a strong force as Chief Negotiator for the CAT. He pushed us farther than we ever thought we could go. We are better off today - financially and benefits-wise - because of Steve Kohn. Was he in it "for himself"? Well...in the beginning, maybe. But...everyone needs some type of motivation to take a high-profile, leadership position in an organization. For some, it may be that they want monetary gain, and I think Steve initially fit into that category. But what's wrong with that? I mean, that's the main reason unions were formed in the first place.

However, I had the honor of watching Steve grow. I witnessed first-hand a transformation...from an inner focus to a true concern for those he represented. During negotiations for our 1997-2001 contract, the CAT Bargaining Team was holding one of our many caucuses. During a long lull, I stepped out for one of my many caffeine breaks. Steve followed me out and asked to speak to me privately. It seems that he had redone "the numbers" on our latest proposal...one that he had personally recommended to the bargaining team and the membership. Steve said: "Ron, I don't know if the Board can afford this proposal." He continued..."I can't ask the members to put their jobs on the line for something that might break the District." Folks...THAT is NOT a person "in it for himself". I responded by telling him to go over the numbers one more time. (Steve DID love his numbers!) I told him that if his concerns were confirmed, that the bargaining team could go back to the membership and explain that there would have to be a modification of our proposal. Steve "slept on it" and discovered one of the few computational errors that he ever made. He told me the following day that our proposal was indeed sound, so we stuck to it and gained one of the best settlements that the Association ever received. And, again...Steve proved beyond any doubt that his heart and mind was with the membership...maybe surprising even himself.

Steve was a key member of the Association and his expertise will never be completely replaced. But...is that really important? If nothing else, Tuesday night should remind all of us of how fragile life is...that we need to take care of our priorities. All of us spend too much time and energy focusing on and worrying about things that in the scheme of things are insignificant.

Ex-Beatle John Lennon wrote a song to his infant son only a few months prior to being gunned down by a deranged fan. His words proved prophetic..."Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

Fortunately, Steve DID dedicate himself to his priorities. Steve Kohn was a loving husband and father who leaves behind a wife and children who can only wonder how life can be so cruel. Steve's father...Steve's mother...and now Steve...all within three months! Steve Kohn loved his family...he told them so...and, more importantly, he showed them...every day. The manner in which he expressed himself might have seemed "gruff" to many, but we could all benefit from following his example...not as he said, maybe, but definitely AS HE DID!

I lost a friend last night...Shalom, Steve.