Numerous teachers and members of the public expressed their concern Monday to the Geary USD 475 Board of Education about the ongoing impasse in teacher contract negotiations.
This is a sample of their comments to the BOE during a public comments session at the monthly Board meeting at the Devin Center.
–Mary Lowe, Walmart employee, urged the Board to get the issue resolved, get along and be a team player.
–Crystal Rankin, 2nd grade teacher at Westwood Elementary School, addressed teacher plan time, noting the goal is to provide outstanding services to students and families, and teachers must be available 24-hours per day. She added when the teacher’s planning time is reduced the impact is great.
–Michael Whaley, Fort Riley Middle School, asked why a lawyer is representing the administration in negotiations and why he is not a member of the district. He also stated separately, “This new contract isn’t taking care of our people. People don’t respond to control. They respond to leadership.” Whaley also stated, “You can’t buy our teachers passion and dedication.”
–Linda Powers said some people that are making decisions aren’t sure what teachers do or who they are. She also noted the school culture depends on satisfied and eager staff.
–Retired teacher Mary Louise Stahl told the board this is a “wonderful school district.” During her comments she was “sad to see niggling away at plan time.” She urged the Board not to devalue their teachers, saying they’re doing a fine job. She told the Board, Do your best for these folks.”
–Retired teacher, elementary school principal, and Human Resource Director for the District, Sara Talley, that the District has entered extra innings and encouraged the Board this ( negotiations ) can be done. She added they have the desire and skills, and it’s time to make the tough decisions.
The Board of Education took no action after the public comments on the negotiations topic. But a negotiating session was already scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Devin Center.
Superintendent Dr. Corbin Witt confirmed earlier Monday during the Tuesday session issues would be clarified, there would be an attempt to make sure the negotiators are on the same page, and see if there is any opportunity to come to an agreement on a proposed contract that could be taken to a vote before fact finding occurs. If there is no agreement a fact finding hearing where evidence and testimony could be presented would be necessary.