Dear Mr. Editor,
As our school year is about to begin, I am very concerned about the example
being set for our students by the behavior of the school superintendent in the
negotiations with the Teamsters Local 215 EVSC employees.
I have been following this story for two summers. I thought after the employees
voted overwhelmingly last summer to remain in the union his relationship with
these employees would move forward positively , but it appears things have only
gotten worse.
Parents and teachers today are constantly reminding kids that every word they
post on social media pages will remain there for all to see including future
employers. The same can be said for words printed in newspapers or uttered on
television.
Words do matter and we should be held accountable for them.
On August 24, 2014, after Teamsters Local 215 members voted overwhelmingly to
remain in the Union , EVSC Superintendent Dr. David Smith was quoted in the
Courier and Press as saying ,†I am always pleased when our employees have a
voice and they certainly have spoken. As we have said before, we will definitely
honor their wishes.â€
This was after he gave two units of Teamsters Local 215 EVSC employees 24 hours
notice to vote again on union representation. He was consistently telling the
public, media and board members that a “fairly large†percentage wanted out of
the union. It was also stated that any “no shows†would be counted as votes
against union representation. The vote proved him wrong. Bus Drivers voted
120-27 and Secretaries 70-27 to remain in the Union. Imagine if our state and
national elections were managed like this.
On April 17, 2015, EVSC board president Mike Duckworth was quoted in the
Courier and Press as saying about the upcoming contract negotiations , “ I
think as long as we have dialogue and keep communicating ,keep talking, we can
disagree but we want to collaborate and see how we can make it better.â€
Obviously when there are serious issues to be discussed involving a large number
of people the most important thing to do is remain in communication with all
entities for the sake of all voices being heard . Dr. Smith and the EVSC board‘s
approach was to not communicate with their constituents over this matter and
directed that all communication should be through the EVSC lawyer from
Indianapolis. This would be the same as teachers being told not to communicate
with parents and only do so through their lawyer?
Thankfully the board voted on July 27 to go back to the bargaining table. That
is the right decision. They need to stay at the bargaining table and work out a
fair contract for all concerned. Dr. Smith needs to honor the words he speaks.
His “my way or the highway stance†is not productive and provides a poor example
to the students we are all trying to teach.
Doris Williams
