PARENTS, STUDENTS SHOW SUPPORT FOR STRIKING ILLINI BLUFFS TEACHERS

GLASFORD -- For the sixth day in a row, students in Illini Bluffs
School District 327 had their summer break extended while the
community rallied around its "heroes."

"I grew up in an era where teachers were heroes. I think they still
are. What do you think?" state Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, asked the
crowd as it cheered in agreement.

About 300 teachers, students, parents and union employees gathered
Tuesday evening at the American Legion hall to show their support for
the Illini Bluffs Federation of Teachers. Teachers are fighting the
institution of a random drug testing policy they say is unnecessary.

Among a group of about 30 students who attended the event was
16-year-old junior Kyle Sweet.

"They're in the right here and this issue needs to be resolved as
soon as possible," Sweet said of his support for the teachers. "I
have never even halfway suspected any of my teachers of using drugs."

Koehler had strong words for the School Board, insisting that if
there was an issue with drug use among teachers, random drug testing
wouldn't necessarily be the solution.

"Having this policy in place gives a false sense of security,"
Koehler said. "I spent 21 years on the Labor Management Council
dealing with this issue, and I know there are more effective ways to
create a drug-free workplace."

According to IFT President Dan Montgomery, no other school district
in the country has instituted such a policy.

Many in the crowd, including Koehler, believed the School Board is
making a "power play," to gain leverage in future negotiations.
Others handed out pamphlets alleging that the board's actions are
retaliation against the teachers.

Representatives for the School Board could not be reached for comment.

Koehler suggested teachers and administration officials form a
committee and examine the issue. He told union spokesman Keith Brown
he would be willing to act as mediator for the two sides, which have
had little contact since negotiations stalled last week.

"That's the frustrating thing," Brown said. "They won't even talk with us."

Christa Fuller, 52, whose son, Nathan, graduated from Illini Bluffs
High School last year, echoed that sentiment in her address to the crowd.

"Shutting down all dialogue doesn't solve anything," Fuller said. "My
son is doing well in college because of the education he received here."

Several local unions were represented in the crowd, including
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employee, Service
Employees International Union, United Auto Workers Local 974, the
Labor Council of West Central Illinois and the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

Gary Hall, 62, a retiree of Caterpillar Inc., was in attendance to
show his support for fellow union members.

"If a place like Cat has a random drug testing policy, they take care
of you," Hall said. "They at least give you a shot to get better and
get back to work. Here if you screw up once, you're fired."