No Chance To Discuss LTHS Union Pact

LA GRANGE, IL – The Lyons Township High School board spent all of two minutes on the teachers union contract before voting for it this week.

Most of the time was spent by Superintendent Brian Waterman's speaking about major items in the agreement.

Before the board meeting, the school kept information about the agreement secret from the public, even though the union had already approved it.

After Waterman spoke, board President Kari Dillon asked for a motion and a second for the five-year contract. Once that was done, she immediately called for a vote, allowing no discussion.

This procedure appears to violate the board's own policies, which call for Robert's Rules of Order as its guide.

Robert's Rules of Order require a motion, a second and then an opportunity for a discussion.

The teachers contract is no minor item. It involves more than half the school's budget.

In March, the Hinsdale High School District 86 board approved a four-year agreement with its teachers union. The board president asked for a motion and a second, then asked whether members wanted to speak. Several did.

Also at Monday's Lyons Township High School meeting, Dillon allowed no time for a discussion on an extension of the superintendent's contract and the issuance of a warning to a teacher.

In the case of the warning, one board member, Michael Thomas, voted against it. The votes for the union and superintendent contracts were unanimous.

Before the April 4 election, the local teachers union endorsed Dillon, member Jill Beda Daniels and newcomer Tim Albores, all of whom prevailed. The union also paid for a mailer on their behalf.