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Parents, former teachers and a congressional candidate back teachers in River Forest
Summary
Parents, retired teachers and a local congressional candidate joined dozens of current teachers at the Nov. 4 meeting to press the River Forest SD 90 Board to prioritize teacher pay, morale and program continuity amid an 81-day contract impasse.
After the board returned to open session, a wide array of community members told the board they support teachers and warned of consequences if the contract stalemate continues. Parent Michelle Jackson said that teachers "invest heavily in all their students" and urged a strategic investment in teachers to avoid long-term harm to the district.
Jim Cheney, a retired Lincoln teacher, recalled the advocacy of former Superintendent Tyra Manning and urged the board to support teachers. Reed Showalter, a local congressional candidate, told the board not to focus solely on fiscal responsibility and to "stand up for teachers." Several parents and community members cited recently released Report Card data in arguing that teachers deserve a fair contract.
Multiple speakers emphasized the role of teachers beyond classroom instruction, noting clubs, teams and other student supports. Speakers repeatedly linked morale and retention concerns to the prolonged negotiations; many asked the board to reflect on what it values in its teachers. President Katie Avalos thanked the speakers at the end of public comment.
