Teachers and staff in Valley View District may launch a strike due to disagreements over elongated school hours.
The Valley View District, serving Romeoville and Bolingbrook, finds itself in a tense standoff as teachers and school staff contemplate a strike. The main point of contention is a proposed change to the school schedule, which would add an extra 20 minutes to the day, starting at 7:10 a.m. instead of the current 7:30 a.m. at the district's two high schools.
The Valley View Council president, Jared Ploger, has yet to make a decision on the matter. However, the union and some parents believe that this change will create more hardship, particularly for working families who may struggle to find childcare before 7 a.m.
Hanna Hernandez, a Valley View District parent, voices her concern, stating that early school hours would exacerbate the country's childcare crisis. Joe Hass, who is married to a Valley View District teacher in Romeoville, shares similar sentiments and is among the parents advocating against the proposed change.
The union, representing teachers, paraprofessionals, maintenance crews, nurses, security, and other staff, is demanding better wages, improved health benefits, smaller class sizes, and enhanced support staff. They argue that these changes are necessary to avert a potential strike.
The union has been vocal about the need for a 5% pay raise over three years, while the district's most recent offer increases wages by 4.25%, 5%, and 4% over the same period. However, the union maintains that these increases are insufficient to address the financial struggles faced by teachers and staff.
Union members, including Joe Hass, argue that if the additional 20 minutes are needed, the district should pay the teachers and staff accordingly. Jared Ploger, the council president, acknowledges that some staff are struggling for a livable wage and emphasises the district's commitment to finding a fair solution.
The Valley View District's website states that over the years, their high school ACT and SAT scores have fallen below the state average. The district argues that the additional 20 minutes to the school schedule will improve academic performance. However, the union remains sceptical, questioning whether the change will indeed address the underlying issues affecting the district's academic performance.
The next school board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8, where the fate of the proposed change and the potential strike may be decided. As the community awaits the outcome, tensions remain high, and both sides continue to advocate for their respective positions.
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