Schools

Elmbrook Teachers Aren't Joining Others in Madison

Despite concerns by staff over state budget issues, teacher absences today are at normal levels, with no activities canceled.

It's business as usual at Elmbrook schools, where it appears teachers opted against taking a trip to the state Capitol building, where thousands of public employees and union members have packed its halls to protest proposed cuts to union working bargaining rights and benefits.

"Our teacher absences have been very much in line with our absences for February, so we really haven't seen a spike in the last couple days," said Melinda Mueller, Elmbrook's spokeswoman.

"There really is nothing out of the ordinary to report," she said.

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Β No activities have been canceled.

Other school districts, including Racine Unified, Glendale-River Hills and Watertown canceled classes today due to large staff absences.Β 

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Port Washington High School had planned to hold classes, but had to call parents at the last minute Thursday morning when about 35 teachers called in sick - about half the high school staff.

Public workers around the state are protesting against Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget repair bill, which could be voted on today.

Under the proposed state legislation, collective bargaining would be limited to wages, which can’t increase consumer price index-based cap.

The bill also requires public employees to contribute 5.8 percent toward their pension and 12 percent toward their health care benefits.


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