Publications & Sites 
Burr Ridge teachers frustrated over lack of deal
Updated: December 16, 2012 6:15AM
BURR RIDGE — Gower Elementary District 62 teachers have been working without a contract since the school year began, and they’re tired of it.
“Our Blue Ribbon School deserves a fair contract,” read one of several signs posted in cars parked at the middle school on Friday.
Similar signs could be spotted at Gower West Elementary.
Karen Scheel, a 20-year teacher at Gower Middle, sat inside one such car before the start of the school day. She said despite months of negotiations, there is no contract for the nearly 70 members of the Gower Education Association.
Negotiating teams from the School Board and union have met twice with a mediator and have a third session scheduled for Nov. 20, said School Board President Ryan Asmus.
“We’re negotiating,” said Asmus, who named salaries and health insurance among the issues that need to be settled.
Scheel said teachers might resort to picketing as soon as next week.
“It looks like it’s going to be a long haul,” she said.
