Champaign Unit 4 teachers have begun to publicly post their protest to the idea of extending teaching days in their elementary schools. The concerns have been brought to the district’s attention since last May.
After negotiation sessions on May 17th, the teachers, who are a part of the Champaign Federation of Teachers, explained that the district has yet to address the issues of how to handle all the staffing, logistics, and transportation needs if elementary school days were to extend for an additional 50 minutes. However, teachers are hopeful to avoid an official strike by continuing to attempt negotiations with the Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education about creating a plan that would address and improve the systematic issues and achievement gaps within Champaign schools.
Champaign Federation of Teacher’s President, Mike Sitch explained “Time is running out. Our district is in crisis mode, our buildings are understaffed, and our classrooms are under-resourced. The current situation is unsustainable for teaching and learning. Rather than adding more to the plates of an already shrinking work force, let’s work on a solution together that truly addresses the challenges we face and fosters greater equity and opportunity for students.”
The teachers’ public posting has indicated the earliest date for a formal strike is March 21, 2022.
The next session is scheduled for March 4, 2022.
