He Finished in a Tie
Some speakers did not let inconveniences impede them. Christopher Knight, a young security guard, explained that he borrowed a pressed shirt and necktie in order to make a tidy appearance before the School Board.
Predictably, the evening shortly morphed into a pep rally-style referendum on the wonders of the hundreds of teachers in the School District who have gone five years without a raise. Many of the speakers were treated to standing ovations after treading what become well-worn ground long before the end of the line. Whether the display of unity and resolve by the teachers and their revved-up cheering sections will result in any meaningful benefits is problematic at this juncture. There were no fresh signs that the giant rally had aroused any of the District’s influential figures or had inspired anyone to step up the determination to reach a settlement with teachers.
Time for a Recall?
Two speakers said that unless the Teachers Union is able to settle during or soon after a session with a mediator on Friday, recall actions should be launched against four of the five School Board members, President Saundra Davis being the exception. One threat-leveler was a teacher at the Middle School who presented the Board with a no-confidence resolution signed by forty-five parents.
For the most part, the members of the School Board, the main — but not the only — target of the community’s withering wrath, sat facing the crowd with poker faces and stilled tongues. Most speakers spanked the School Board for lavishing repeated raises on retiring District Supt. Dr. Laura McGaughey before and after she announced her decision to apparently return to private life. A number of speakers attempted to derail further raises for Ms. McGaughey, especially since her final day is only two and a half months away.
One speaker charged the Board with lying about whether Ms. Gaughey’s soon to be vacated position had yet been advertised. As of last Thursday, she said, the Superintendent vacancy had not been posted. The mother of a graduated student won the instant approbation of the crowd by asking two of her son’s former teachers to stand for recognition. Many in the audience applauded almost as quickly and feverishly as they breathed.
But the winner of the blue ribbon for creativity was incontestable. The seventh speaker, a father who said he was representing the wishes of his teacher-supporting children, finished his speech quickly, early. For the final half of his time, he asked the audience to stand and applaud the teachers, a ringing denunciation of School Board actions that nearly moved the walls of Lin Howe School.
