VIDEO: Schroeder Explains Board's Stance on Collective Bargaining

Joe Schroeder acknowledged to the crowd assembled at Lakeview Elementary School in Wind Lake that his task was unenviable in tackling a perceived $2.3 million deficit by the Muskego-Norway school district, however he also stated that he remained committed to a resolution.

"I must balance the needs of parents to expect high standards in education for their children, the needs of teachers for fair compensation and the desires of our citizens who pay the salaries to have financial resources handled responsibly," Schroeder said.

Prior to outlining the specifics of where cuts will be made, Schroeder also addressed the issue of collective bargaining at the local level.  If the present budget bill as proposed remains intact, local municipalities would be free to choose whether they will collectively bargain with teachers' unions.

Schroeder told the crowd that he and the board felt "extending collective bargaining rights would not reflect the wishes of community citizens they represent," or the long-term interests of the district.

He acknowledged that it was polarizing issue, and thanked district teachers and parents for their "professionalism and civility" over the past month.  Schroeder said he was hopeful that people would truly listen, while understanding that not every proposal to cut spending would be welcomed.