Ottawa Township High School remains closed Tuesday, after an abbreviated Sunday bargaining session failed to bring about an agreement to end the dispute that has idled students and teachers since September 30.
Teachers on Sunday offered the board a new proposal, designed to address the biggest sticking point in the crisis, the employee cost for insurance.
Glenn Weatherford, OTHSEA president, said the teachers made substantial concessions to the board in their newest proposal, but after an hour and a half the federal mediator returned to the teachers with the same proposal the board introduced three weeks ago.
Now, the board president is calling on the union to hold a vote on the board’s proposal which, he admits, is little changed from the plan that forced teachers onto picket lines.
George “Skip” Hupp, OTHS Board president, said the board did not change its numbers because they believe it is a fair proposal. He said the board members want teachers to contribute a meaningful investment towards insurance as motivation to improve it.
No bargaining sessions are currently scheduled. You can send words of encouragement to othsea@gmail.com.
Donations to: IEA Regional Office, c/o Stacy Walton 116 E. Washington Suite #2 Morris, IL 60450
Administrator is mourned
A vigil was held Monday night in Ottawa to remember OTHS’ top administrator, John Harrison, who authorities believe committed suicide over the weekend.
Board president Hupp said the tragic death of the superintendent was unrelated to the Ottawa contract dispute.
“John’s death and the strike were totally unrelated,” he said. Hupp said that for two weeks Harrison had largely been off duty dealing with a personal problem. “From the 28th of September he had only, to my knowledge, been in the office one day. He had asked for time off to deal with a family issue and we said we understood.”
Teachers union president Glenn Weatherford said the loss is felt by all.
“In addition to being a top administrator for our school, Superintendent Harrison was a fellow teacher and colleague.He was greatly respected by the entire Ottawa staff and community.
“The thoughts and prayers of members of the Ottawa High School Education Association are with his family.”
Illinois Education Association is an association of more than 130,000 members composed of Illinois elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty and staff, educational support professionals, retired educators and college students preparing to become teachers.
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