CAT Tracks for September 15, 2004 WHATEVER HAPPENS...

Payday has arrived...an event that has brought mixed feelings among employees of Cairo School District Number One in the past. What used to be routine...you could "bank on it"...has become "an adventure"...filled with uncertainty...and anger.

When questions arose about the notices that went out to teachers last week, I was on my way to Springfield for an IEA Board meeting. One member left a message on my answering machine and two members reached me on my cell phone on Friday. Feeling that there was nothing I could do, I simply put out a CAT Tracks and waited for Monday morning.

However, when I returned from Springfield, I discovered that Superintendent Harbin had called me at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Friday. Dr. Harbin left a message that he was aware of a potential payroll problem and had instructed personnel to take immediate steps to correct the problem.

On Monday morning, Dr. Harbin contacted me personally, informed me of the measures that had been taken over the weekend to resolve the problems, and asked that bargaining team member, Ruth Bailey, report to the Central Office to double-check actions that had been taken to rectify the situation. That was indeed done.

(The problem involved amounts scheduled to be paid to seventeen teachers who were "beyond" the last step on the salary schedule - teachers scheduled to receive "longevity pay".)

Hopefully, the paychecks issued today will be correct!

If they are, Dr. Harbin deserves credit for taking immediate steps to rectify an error...something that has NOT happened in the past. If they are not, it was NOT for lack of effort on Dr. Harbin's part.

Since Dr. Harbin went to work during the final days of June, I have intended to do a "Welcome, Dr. Harbin" edition of CAT Tracks. At first, a lack of biographical information delayed me...then the "lull of summer"...then the hectic opening of school, complete with a tour of jury duty.

Excuses, excuses. Apologies to Dr. Harbin.

What I can tell you from the past three months is that Dr. Harbin has gone out of his way to be inclusive...seeking out input from the Association AND acting upon it! Because of the District's history of confrontation - dating back to the strike for recognition in 1978 - these sincere overtures for collaboration have been, well..."strange" - a very welcome surprise! Rest assured that your leadership has eagerly accepted this invitation to establish a new working relationship in Cairo School District Number One.

So...what about those paychecks?

Worst case scenario...there are errors in the paychecks today. It wasn't Dr. Harbin's fault and I'm sure that he will do whatever is possible to correct same - ASAP!

Best case scenario...the paychecks will be correct! Wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles!

Regardless, THANK YOU, DR HARBIN...and welcome aboard!