RUMOR CENTRAL

Have you heard? These 4 candidates, if elected, are going to fire district teachers?

When faced with a shock-value rumor like that, it’s always good to take a deep breath and then check the rumor against reality. Here’s the facts –

- Before these people were candidates they put their reputations on the line to fight to make Pre-school and Full-day K available to MORE students. If successful – this would mean more teaching positions. Actions should speak louder than rumors.

- 2 of the 4 candidates did or currently do derive their family income from teaching. 3 of the 4 are or have pursued degrees in education. Career choices should speak louder than rumors.

- I personally had a discussion with one candidate on the value of tenure to the teaching profession. First words out of their mouth were – “don’t you think it’s necessary [to retain teachers]?” (Though after the discussion, they did promise to think about my points.) Honest initial reactions ought to speak louder than rumors.

- According to the Illinois Association of School Boards, “The Board employs and evaluates one person - the Superintendent - and holds that person accountable for district performance and compliance with written Board policy.” State-wide policy ought to speak louder than rumors.

Seems to me the only way teachers are going to get fired (or reassigned) is because these candidates don’t win and certain teachers supported them. Shouldn’t be; isn’t legal. But if someone’s not above spreading shock-value rumors in an election who knows what level they might sink to in order to get their way. Could even be someone like that might ask others in their employ how they were going to vote in the next election. Sounds like more intimidation tactics to me. Let’s all hope that story is just a rumor, too.