DRUG TEST STICKING POINT FOR ILLINI BLUFFS TEACHERS

GLASFORD -- Members of the Illini Bluffs Federation of Teachers plan to
be on the job Tuesday morning when the District 327 academic year
begins with an institute.

Whether they'll be back at work Wednesday on the first day of classes
for students depends on how negotiations go Tuesday night with the
district board of education.

"If we have no contract, then that'll pretty much be the deciding
factor," Keith Brown, lead negotiator for union, said Monday night at
a regular meeting of the board.

"We're always hopeful. We've been professional and willing to work
with the board. But given what the board has done, it's up in the air.
We don't know."

Money isn't a factor.

The point of contention that could lead to a teachers' strike is the
board's insistence on random drug testing for union members.

The union's counter offer is to agree to drug testing of individuals
if the administration demonstrates probable cause.

Between two executive sessions conducted by the board Monday, the drug
policy debate dominated public discussion at the meeting that
attracted a divided crowd of more than 120.

"No one here appreciates a random parent coming up and saying, 'Who in
your school has a drug problem?'" said Tyler Hesh, a physical
education teacher.

"Because that's what (teachers are) faced with every day. That's
embarrassing.

"We've offered a condition where if there is anyone that brings up any
red flag or is suspected at all, that (administrators) can test. It
only takes a few (board members) to get things changed. And we can
start moving in the right direction."

Steve Coleman, a resident of Glasford, advocated the random testing
plan favored by board President Dennis Brown.

"I'll take it," said Coleman, whose grandchildren are District 372
students. "I'm not afraid because I have nothing to fear. To me, that
makes you look better."

Dave Hicke, another Glasford resident, disagreed with Coleman's take
on behalf of the union.

"You should be drug-tested to see if you're a fit grandfather," Hicke
said.

"The other thing is, I'm trying to figure out what is the basis for
the board wanting random drug testing. We can't find out because no
board members are allowed to speak. My opinion is, it's a vendetta
from a couple of people in this administration."