Rudolf K.F. Zeitlhofer
Dear sir:
Reading last week’s press release from the Rainy River District School Board, headlined “Board disappointed by no agreement,” brought one no end of amusement.
The only question perplexing the reader would be whether Dianne McCormack, chair of the board, was permitted to read that mountain of mendacity before her name was affixed to it?
The current strategy of the board is to blame “union leadership” for the impasse in negotiations. The press release points out the vast majority of other boards have agreements in place.
But that argument is a sword with two edges. What is it that this board is demanding of the teachers that other school boards did not?
Particularly amusing is the press release’s statement that the board wants a “fair” settlement. Would that include actually abiding by the terms of the agreement?
They paid no attention to the last one, violating the agreement more than 50 times. The board totally ignored the grievance process, refusing to settle even minor issues at the local level.
What is this board demanding that other boards did not that caused the teachers to walk away in frustration?
It is time for the elected trustees to arise from their somnambulance and take charge of these negotiations. They need to educate themselves about the issues and do what is right for students.
In all this fighting between the board and its staff, it is the students that lose out.
When will this board finally make the best interests of students a priority?
Yours truly,
Rudolf K.F. Zeitlhofer
Fort Frances, Ont.