CAT Tracks for January 29, 2010
THE CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG

...or maybe it would be more fitting to say that the District is putting the CAT INTO the bag...to be summarily thrown off one of our two locally handy bridges.

Yes, we're talking RIFs here...


First of all, I guess a disclaimer is in order.

Today is Friday...CAT received the "latest RIF update" at a meeting of union leaders called by Superintendent Swopes for 1 p.m. on Tuesday. The "rumor mill" kicked in immediately...

So, why the tardiness of this post? Let's just say that we take no pleasure aiding and abetting the kicking of CATs while they are down.

These are (if you will excuse the expression) the "dog days" of the school year...the dreary time of Winter - Christmas vacation long gone, Spring vacation only a distant dream. Teachers all over the land, flogged daily by finger-pointing politicians and media. CATs, receiving extra lashes from an unappreciative, transient Superintendent.

Why add to your misery as you try to maintain your focus on preparing students for state tests (and any other actual "teaching" that you can squeeze in.)

After all, so far this school year:

Within an hour of receiving the word of anticipated RIFs, your CAT President had talked to UniServ Director Jim Tammen and scheduled a NEW RIF MEETING for February 2, 2010. Folks, it bears repeating...you have one helluva President watching your backs! She speaks her mind on your behalf...


Speculation...

The following is conjecture...on MY part. This did NOT come from the horse's azz...

The timing of Tuesday's "union leaders meeting" is suspicious...following as it did an FOP meeting the day before. It is MY belief that THIS new/increased RIF is upon order of the Financial Oversight Panel (FOP). Beyond the timing, this has happened before...during the reign of Gary Whitledge. Then Superintendent Whitledge had informed me (as President of CAT) that there would be no need for RIFs. Immediately following a subsequent meeting of the FOP, Superintendent Whitledge contacted me...saying, uh, by the way, we ARE going to have to RIF a bunch of teachers.

Even when you know your history, in CSD #1, you are doomed to repeat it!


Sooooooo...

What does this mean for you and the future? I wish I could offer you comfort and guidance. Unfortunately, with CSD #1, there is no telling...

It is MY belief...that the FOP is covering its butt. It is no secret...the State of Illinois is in a world of hurt financially. Illinois is billions of dollars in debt. Illinois is not paying its bills. Who knows what will come out of the General Assembly in the way of funding...expecially in an election year. Education received " a pass" last time around...receiving extra funding when other state programs were being axed. What will happen this time? Your guess is as good as mine...

I believe that the FOP has ordered deep cuts...just in case Illinois cuts education funding. I believe the District hopes to hire back most - probably all- of the teachers it now says it is cutting (the ones who have not already submitted letters of retirement.)

Can you take that to the bank?

HELL NO!

YOU have to look out for #1. NOT CSD #1...YOU!!!


Yes, you can hope, but you had best be proactive...you had best be looking for other employment.

You have marketable skills...other school districts look favorably upon teachers who have survived Cairo. They figure that if you can teach in Cairo, you can teach anywhere!

So, my advice, Sir (and Ms. and Madame)...if you receive a "pink slip", seek employment elsewhere...immediately.

Don't get me wrong...I wish you would stay, hope you are allowed to stay. However, Cairo School District Number One will not hesitate to drop you in a heartbeat. You owe CSD #1 nothing! YOU have given a 100% effort in teaching the children of Cairo.

You owe no apologies...


POSTSCRIPT:

You have received a copy of the latest seniority list...

Check and double-check it!

If you think you should be on a list that you are not on or if the numbers of years is incorrect...submit a notice to the Superintendent - IMMEDIATELY! Personally, I would get a "STAMPED" copy of your submission from Brenda. If the deadline for submission passes and you are NOT on a list...then you lose your right to claim that job by seniority!

In other words...

Once the pink slips come out, it's too late to say "Wait a minute...I'm certified to do..."


On a final note...

If/when the pink slips come out, CAT and the IEA will review each individual RIF to determine if it was in fact legal and in accordance with the Contractual Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the Illinois School Code.

We will do everything within our power to keep you...


ADDENDUM:

Yesterday afternoon, CAT President O'Shea received a letter from Superintendent Swopes..."official notice" of the impending RIF. If an "exclamation point" was lacking as to the gravity of the "latest RIF plan", Superintendent Swopes just added it!