‘In ’77 Everybody Lost’: Hundreds Show in Support for D135 Teachers (video)

Over 500 people packed the gymnasium and hallways of Monday night to share their concerns with the Board of Education about slow negotiations for a new teachers’ contract.

While no updates were made available about specifics of the negotiations, a variety of views were offered from former students, parents of D135 children, past teachers, as well as former board members and union representatives.

The message, while offered differently, all pointed to the same thought: wrap up the negotiations without teachers striking.

District 135 has not seen a teacher strike since 1977. Former D135 teacher and administrator James Leib spoke in Center School before the 1977 strike happened. On Monday night, he drew from that experience while speaking again.

“The board didn’t listen,” he said during Monday night’s meeting. “And the teachers lost. The board lost. The kids lost. Everyone lost.”

Following Monday night’s meeting, board president John Carmody said he also hopes the two sides can resolve differences.

“We have to represent everybody and I don’t think there is any support out there for a tax increase,” Carmody said.

The District 135 Board of Education will next meet with the Orland Council of Educators and Illinois Federation of Teachers representatives on Wednesday, Dec. 21.