Letter to the Editor: 'Approving the Contract So We Can Find Out What's In It'

And so it came to pass at the Monday District 86 Board meeting, much like the slam dunk passage of Obamacare, that Board members Kay Gallo, Michael Kuhn, and Jennifer Planson voted to approve the Teachers’ Union contract so that the uninformed public and taxpayers can now find out what’s in it. However, even they were uncertain as to the actual average teachers’ salary increase for year #1, or year #2 of the $90 million contract.

Why Board member Victor Casini voted for the contract as the needed fourth vote is unclear, other than being a tough decision that could have gone either way as he publicly stated. However; Union strong arm tactics, intimidation, repeated effects of mob rule mentality, and threats, including those against a student daughter at District 86, likely changed what had been a counted on solid vote by those who elected Casini to office.

Why Board member Claudia Manley voted not to delay the contract vote until this coming Friday to display and explain the contract to the public was quite clear. Because the new negotiating team of Gallo & Casini irresponsibly exceeded Board agreed upon, and authorized cost parameters on their own, their action still legally bound the entire Board.

Two years ago, the same three Board members Kay Gallo, Michael Kuhn, Jennifer Planson, plus then Board President Dennis Brennan freely spent $25 million of the public’s money with (1) no referendum, (2) no bid contract, (3) no competitive bidded bond sale, and a (4) non-callable bond issue; this at 3.5%, 18 year term, and AAA bond rating. Shortly thereafter, I refinanced my home mortgage at 3.25% for 30 years with an average credit rating.

Requirement of public display/disclosure of Board/Union contracts, with explanation, prior to Board approval needs to be mandatory under Illinois state law and District 86 Board Policy. Prohibition of Board member acceptance of contributions from Union and District 86 affiliated businesses and contractors is another needed state law and Board Policy requirement.

Roger Kempa, Darien