When the somewhat relieved members of the Teachers Union voted overwhelmingly to ratify a surprising 1% raise, there was a “yes, but” at the end of their acceptance presentation.
The vote evidently never was in doubt, 224 for ratification, 12 against.
“A number of teachers shared with me that 1% won't make a difference,” David Mielke, President of the Teachers Union, told the newspaper.
“They are feeling the pinch of gas prices and the drop in home values.
“But, I think they recognize that this raise was the best that could be done in these times.”
Here is where the “yes, but” clause emerged.
“Our teachers are still waiting for the School Board to drop three unnecessary expenses,” said Mr. Mielke:
• A public relations consultant,
• A web page company and,
• For the School Board members to decline their healthcare benefits.
Down to the final days before summer break, Mr. Mielke said farewell for the season with a warning attached:
“We will see what things look like in the fall.
“But if class sizes are bursting at the seams, which they might be, then we'll really have to press the School Board again on their priorities.
