Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for October 29, 1997 Negotiations Update

In response to an Association proposal, the Board is seriously exploring the possibility of providing term life insurance to all District employees. Initial inquiries by the Superintendent into possible cost and coverage are encouraging and the Board team has agreed to advertise bids for such a program. The District Insurance Committee can then make recommendations.

Progress was again made on language with several items being T.A.'d. However, an attempt to resolve several items in "package" form fell through when the Board would not make any increase in its money offer. (Incidentally, we still do not have their official salary schedule proposal as the person who was to have typed it was called to jury duty! Maybe next time.)

Your team reminded/informed the Board of the monetary settlements reached this year in Southern Illinois and the rest of the State. These settlements have been substantially more than what is being offered to us. We also pointed out that Cairo School District Number One is much better off financially than most of these other Districts--consistently maintaining a balance of $1 million dollars in the bank when only $350,000 is required.

The next scheduled negotiations session is November 6, 1997.