Alton teachers call on board and administration to address morale issues and respect educators, after board member refers to teachers as “peons”

Teachers will ask the board to commit to improving morale

ALTON - Alton teachers plan to attend tonight's Alton Community School District 11 Board of Education (BOE) meeting after several actions by the board and administration that disrespect and devalue educators, including one board member openly referring to teachers as "peons." The Alton Education Association (AEA) President Sara Carter plans to speak at tonight's meeting.

"The current climate in our district is very, very disrespectful to our hardworking educators. We give so much to our students and our community. We work extra hours every week that aren't paid. We buy school supplies, hygiene products and even clothing for our students out of our own pockets because we care so much. The least the administration and board can do is give us a little respect back." Carter said.

AEA is showing up at tonight's board meeting because of several recent actions by the district that have created a culture of disrespect in the district, including around:

• Sick days: Educators are using their sick days for legitimate reasons, including illness, family needs, mental health and recovery from the growing stress of the profession. However, the district is now enforcing a stricter policy, which creates a culture of fear instead of support.

• District communication: Communication from the district has been divisive and unsupportive and, in some cases, threatening.

Derogatory communication is also an issue with the board of education. During one particular incident in November, school board member David Lauschke referred to all teachers as "peons."

"When you devalue and belittle your teachers, you do the same to your students. Our working conditions are our students' learning conditions," Carter said. "Our school board members take an oath to do what's best for all of our students, but you can't support students if you don't support their teachers."

The Alton Education Association (AEA) represents nearly 618 staff, which includes certified staff as well as educational support staff who support the nearly 5,500 students in District 11.

Carter will speak at tonight's board meeting and plans to call on the district to truly engage with school staff, be more transparent and be more accessible to teachers who reach out to. Carter will also ask teachers to invite administrators and board members to visit their classroom.

Tonight's BOE meeting is set for 6 p.m. in the Alton High School Library (4200 Humbert Rd., Alton).

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The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state's largest union. IEA represents Pre K-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.