Pubdate: Fri, 19 Aug 2011 Source: Peoria Journal Star (IL) Copyright: 2011sPeoria Journal Star Contact: http://pjstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/338 Author: Greg Stewart, The Journal Star RESIDENTS OFFER TO FUND ILLINI BLUFFS TEACHER DRUG TESTING Cost of Program Was Reportedly a Concern for Teachers WHO Went On Strike Wednesday PEORIA -- Two residents of the Illini Bluffs School District have contacted the School Board to say that they are willing to donate the total cost of a teacher drug-testing program for the next two years. In a statement issued Friday by Karl Meurlot, attorney for District 327, the board said these individuals came forth separately. Both individuals were present at the Aug. 15 board meeting, where teachers expressed their concern that the cost of drug testing would divert dollars from classrooms and students. "Thus, random drug testing of teachers will not be a cost to the school district and will not affect the amount of money available for classroom supplies," Meurlot said in the statement. The point of contention that led to a teachers strike is the board's insistence on random drug testing for union members. The union's counter offer is to agree to drug testing of individuals if the administration demonstrates probable cause. Teachers went on strike Wednesday, and the first three days of school were canceled. As of Friday evening, there was no indication when students and teachers could return to the classroom. "We still feel it's wasteful, and there are other programs that a donation of that amount could go to," said Keith Brown, lead negotiator for the Illini Bluffs Federation of Teachers union. "Actual student programs for the prevention of abuse might be a better way to donate money. "But until we sit down with the board, it's difficult to talk about those things." The district's statement Friday did not include the cost of random drug testing. "That's why I'm amazed that someone would be willing to pay for this if they don't even know what it will cost." No negotiations are currently scheduled. School Board President Dennis Brown, no relation to union negotiator Keith Brown, is out of town and has not been available for comment. "We've told them that we'll be here willing to meet day or night," Keith Brown said. "So far, they have made no attempt to meet with us, but we continue with an open invitation to get this thing resolved. "We are committed to giving our students a full year of service and committed to sitting down with respect to the negotiation process. We just wish the board would get on board with that." In support of the contention, School Board members and administrators at Illini Bluffs have offered to submit to random drug testing, even though they have no contractual obligation to do so. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.