Kaneland teachers’ intent to strike has been a pressing issue in the community. During the school board meeting held November 9 at Harter Middle School, teachers appeared as a team, wearing their KEA Union shirts and speaking out together during the public comments section of the night.

The first public comments section featured every single teacher present going up to the microphone and stating who they were, what they do in the district and why they were proud to be a Kaneland Knight. Union president Lori Shroka was the first to speak, and she discussed the overwhelming majority of teachers that voted in favor of an intent to strike. Shroka said there were 299 teachers who voted yes to a possible strike, with only 13 opposed.

Many teachers briefly described why they enjoy teaching here at Kaneland High School.

“I teach wonderful kids everyday,” physics teacher Patrick Carter said.

New teachers to the community who have only been at Kaneland for one year had the chance to speak and were cheered on with clapping from the teachers. Dylan Donley was a former student teacher at the high school, and said he’s proud to be a knight with his first year at the middle school.

Some teachers described their extensive involvement in the community. Math teacher Travis Berth has been in the Kaneland Community for 10 years, is a coach for the soccer teams and adviser to the mathletes.

For further information, attend the public forum at Harter Middle School this Thursday November 12, starting at 7 p.m.