Hudson School Board rejects teacher’s contract proposal

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• Teachers hope to extend contract

The Hudson Board of Education Tuesday night rejected a proposed contract proposed by teachers, hoping to get a two-year extension before the state’s budget repair bill goes into effect.

Teachers had offered several concessions in an attempt to get the district to agree to the extension.

Officially, the board approved a motion for the district to offer a counter proposal, but with the clock ticking, it is unknown if there is time to go through negotiating sessions before the Budget Repair Bill becomes law.

The bill is currently on hold because of a temporary restraining order blocking Secretary of State Doug La Follette from publishing the budget repair law until the judge can rule on the merits of the case. The law, which repeals nearly all collective bargaining for public workers in the state, can't become effective until one day after it is published.

Many school districts around the state are agreeing to contract deals in an effort to get contracts in place before the bill does become law. It is unknown if Hudson will be numbered among those.

Scott Ellingson, leader of the Hudson teachers’ bargaining unit, said after the three-and-a-half-hour meeting that “it looks like collective bargaining is done” in Hudson.

“Time is the huge issue in this and I don’t know how interested they (school board) are,” Ellingson said. “What would it take from us? We offered concessions that could save the district $3 to $4 million. It’s a sad day for those working here.”

He did acknowledge that there is still a window of possibility, but the time could be short.

“We have a good board and administration, but look what this bill has done,” Ellingson said. “They are also under the pressure of these times. But if we can’t beat the clock, everything is in jeopardy.”

Superintendent Mary-Bowen Eggebraaten said a counter proposal would be completed as quickly as possible.

“But, if a deal is not struck before the Budget Repair Bill becomes law, we will be bound by the law,” Eggebraaten said. “We may not be able to complete anything.”

As of last night, no meetings were scheduled.

“The board is trying to balance the needs of our talented teachers and staff with the very significant loses of state aid,” she said.

After rejecting the teacher’s proposal, board members asked the teachers to be patient.

“We value the assets of our teachers,” said board member Tom Holland. “We stand with you and I hope you will stand with us. The truth is, we know teachers are giving up a lot.

“But, I think there is some unreasonable fear that the world is going to cave in; I don’t think that will happen. Arrangements will be made to provide the best quality of education. We have your best interests at heart and hope you keep an open mind.

Board President Barb Van Loenen also asked for patience.

“We have always been a good employer and I have every reason to believe we will continue to be a good employer,” Van Loenen said.

Voting in favor of a counter-offer were Van Loenen, Holland, Pat German, Lynn Robson and Mark Kaisersatt. Absent from the meeting were Brian Bell and Dan Tjornehoj.

Before the board went into closed session to discuss the contract proposal, several teachers addressed the board. Among them were Mike Yell, Ann Siats, Scott Ellingson, Judy Wyatt-Schlei, Rachel Mueller, Ryan McCarthy and Laurie Harmon. All asked for support from the board regarding the contract proposal. Citizens speaking in support of the teachers were Jerry Ion and Scott Erlenborn. Speaking against the proposed contract was Curt Weese.

Under the contract proposal presented by the teachers Monday night at a special meeting, they would make the same retirement and health insurance concessions as proposed in the budget repair bill. They would also agree to have the insurance coverage let out for bids.

Teachers also would agree to have steps and lanes frozen for two years on the blended 2010-11 salary grid. Teachers agreed to some concessions on retirement issues, including less sick buyout (eventually being reduced to zero) and a monthly cap that is gradually reduced on retirement health coverage.

Teachers would also work a total of five additional days through June 30, 2013 (two additional days for 2011-12 and three additional days for 2012-13). Under the contract, teachers hired for 2011-12 and thereafter would be subject to a probationary period extended to five years. Poor evaluations could also cause a teacher to be placed on probation at other times during his/her career. Another clause would allow salary grids and other adjustments to be reopened during any potential worsening economic conditions.

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