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Enter your tip here and it will be sent straight to Lauren Traut, Jeff Graveline, Chuck Ingwersen, Denise Du Vernay, Guest Editor Bridgette Outten, and Ann C. Piasecki, Oak Forest Patch's (incredibly grateful) editors.
David J. Zoberis Sr.
2:10 pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Raised in Tinley Park, Originally from the Family Land Subdivision/Barret Brothers Area. Now a Painter.
TaxPayer
1:09 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
Lauren I've seen the local high school district 228 school negotiate contracts with the administration and the teachers union and "The Patch " post stories with no real information. What are the details of this boards recent actions? I thought that was the whole idea about these local news sites. What did the Administration ask for ? What did they get ? What about the teachers? What else can 228 students expect ?
Lauren Traut
1:19 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
Neither the board nor the union would disclose details of the contract, TaxPayer. Nothing is set in stone until the board votes on it at its next meeting, which is Sept. 18. We'll give you the latest information as soon as we have it. We don't withhold information, but we also can't force the union or the school board to disclose it before the terms are finalized.
As soon as we know, you will know.
Lauren Traut
1:20 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
I realize you'd like information, but please be patient. We're not being negligent; we're working within the constraints of what they can and cannot tell us at this point in the process.
TaxPayer
11:54 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
Palos district 218 had similar issues and the particulars were published on "The Patch". If you asked and they declined you should state that in your story. Ask why they don't want this publicized. You publish all of 228 press releases but don't seem to serve the public with your lack of specifics. I might add it almost seems like collusion on the part of "The Patch". That might seem harsh but if you want respect as a reporter you have to earn it.
Lauren Traut
3:24 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
Hi, TaxPayer.
We have some additional details on the contract. They're available here: http://oakforest.patch.com/articles/superintendent-kendall-talks-specifics-of-teacher-s-contract
Hope this helps.
Lauren
TaxPayer
11:56 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
The admin contract was passed two meetings ago. What's the holdup?
Lauren Traut
12:04 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
Hello, Taxpayer.
In our very first account of this situation, we did, in fact note that both union reps and district reps declined comment on the specifics of the contract ("Both she and Schools Superintendent Bill Kendall declined to specify on the sticking points of the contract.") That can be found here: http://oakforest.patch.com/articles/possible-strike-looms-as-d228-teachers-union-continue-contract-talks
The teacher contract has thusfar only been signed off on by the union. It goes before the board on Sept. 18. We give whatever specifics we can get; again, we don't withhold information. Our reporters ask the questions and do their best to get the answers. Contract negotiations are sticky situations, and often both sides tread lightly as far as what information goes public before approval by both sides.
As far as I know, we are the only media outlet to have reported the situation in District 228. When the union approved the new contract, we gave you the specifics that were disclosed: a three-year pay freeze for teachers. The rest, I'm sure, will be detailed when the contract goes before the board Sept. 18. We are also in contact with union reps and district administration to try to obtain more information.
As always, we will bring you the latest as soon as we have it.
Thank you,
Lauren
TaxPayer
8:28 am on Saturday, September 1, 2012
I have not seen any story related to the administrations contract, which has been approved by the board in July I think. Did they get an 11% raise with all medical costs covered by the taxpayers?
TaxPayer
12:36 am on Monday, September 3, 2012
Lauren we both know the administration would respond to any FOIA inquiry on the administrations contract but as a member of the Fourth Estate I would think it your duty. The community is interested in this issue.
Sincerely,
TP
Lauren Traut
8:12 am on Monday, September 3, 2012
Hi, TaxPayer.
Unfortunately we were not present at the meeting where the board approved the administration contract, but I intend to look into this first thing in the morning.
We're well aware of our duties as journalists.
Thanks.
Lauren
Lauren Traut
8:14 am on Monday, September 3, 2012
In the future, we welcome news tips or other story ideas by email at any time. If there's something you wish for us to report on, all you have to do is reach out.
Lauren Traut
10:01 am on Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Hi again, TaxPayer.
We spoke with Kendall about the admin contracts, and he refuted your claims. The contracts are available for public viewing Oct. 1, via D228 website.
http://oakforest.patch.com/articles/d228-administration-takes-pay-freeze
Lauren
Dave
1:04 pm on Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Keep up the good work Lauren !!!
You can't please everyone ;-)