CRAFT

I am writing to share my concern regarding school spending in Illinois and its impact on my school district the State Budget and the Teachers Retirement System.

School districts are forced to deficit spend to due the strong arm of the teachers unions and the bonded group of school administrators across the State. Because of this I would ask you to support No Taxpayer Left Behind.

§ Ban Teachers Strikes - Currently only 41 states allow teacher strikes. Teacher strikes put school boards and families at the mercy of the teacher unions. Many school boards are not skilled enough to negotiate with the billions of dollars that funds the teachers unions, that body of knowledge and the legal teams that guide them.

§ Eliminate Tenure - Tenure is fine at the University level but is not appropriate at the elementary and secondary education levels. Earlier education is too important to leave to teachers who have no motivation for excellence once they reach tenure.

§ Revise Collective Bargaining Laws - We've all seen teachers' unions’ strong-arm school districts, but rarely does the district get the upper hand. The law requires the school district to negotiate with the union, and dictates much of the method. This is why school boards so often cave-in with little or no resistance. The sole purpose of a school district is to educate children, not line the pockets of union leaders. The law should reflect this, and allow districts to negotiate how they choose. School districts NEVER shut schools down because of a pay dispute, only the teachers' unions do.

§ Tax Credits and Vouchers - Being able to rescue a child from an underperforming school is a basic right that should not be afforded to the wealthy alone. We feel that the parents should be the sole decision makers as to whether a school is serving the needs of their child. The idea that a school or government knows what is best for the child, or wants what is best for the child more than the parents do is ridiculous. Illinois should implement a genuine and complete voucher/tax credit program that allows parents to send children to the school of their choice without restrictions.

§ Ban Forced Dues - Illinois law contains a provision whereby as part of the negotiation process, a school district can force non-union teachers to pay for the collective bargaining activities of the union. These fees can be a significant percentage of the total union dues. A teacher who does not join the union and has no participation in the collective bargaining process may be forced to pay for it.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Your Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone Number

Helpful links:

CRAFT Mission Statement

Join CRAFT and/or add me to your e-mail list.

Who we are -FAQ

CRAFT BLOG

How to fight a Referendum

School District Lies