GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Public Schools board of education has offered teachers a new contract while also taking steps to prepare in case those teachers strike, according to The Grand Rapids Press.
The board voted 8-1 to give Superintendent Bernard Taylor and board President Catherine Mueller "sweeping powers" in the event of a strike, The Press reported.
"This designates the authority to do whatever we have to do as allowed by law," Mueller told The Press.
The Grand Rapids Education Association teachers union sent letters to substitute teachers in August asking that they not cross the picket line in the event of a strike, according to The Press.
Teacher strikes are illegal under Michigan law.
SOURCE:
The Grand Rapids Press, "Grand Rapids Public Schools teacher contract stalemate takes public turn," Sept. 23, 2008
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Digest, "GRPS board votes 'no confidence' in union; won't collect dues," May 27, 2008
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