School Board Pursuing Subs

Not wanting to go to arbitration and unwilling to meet with teachers again, it looks like substitute teachers are on their way to Ottawa Township High School.

Board President George Hupp says he and the board is working with the Regional Office of Education in trying to bring in substitute teachers.  He says striking teachers are making matters tough because they’re calling would-be subs and urging them not to cross the picket line.

When contacted, Union President Glenn Weatherford said he was unaware of any union members calling potential subs.

No New Negotiations Session At OTHS

With teacher’s wanting arbitration and the Ottawa High School Board saying no, what’s next?

Board President George Hupp says it won’t be another negotiations meeting.  Hupp says since the union won’t allow every teacher vote on the board’s latest offer and is refusing to change their proposal, there’s no need for another meeting. 

Hupp says the board has made the best offer it can make and the community doesn’t want the board to go any higher.   The last negotiations session was Sunday.

Area Superintedent Is Retiring

There’s going to be a change at the top in the Bureau Valley School District.

Superintendent Terry Gutshall announced this week he’s retiring at the end of the current school year.  His announcement came after the school board met in closed session to discuss possible dismissal of employees. 

Gutshall has been superintendent since 2006.  He was a longtime principal before that and a member of the district when it was consolidated and became known as Bureau Valley. 

Gutshall says he wants to spend more time with his family being retired.

Group plans “Stand Against Violence” in Ottawa

Domestic violence is a threat that affects families everywhere.  An event at noon Thursday in Ottawa is a show of support for those who have been victim to domestic violence and a chance to spread awareness.

A-D-V and S-A-S is holding the Stand Against Violence at the downtown courthouse in Ottawa.  They’ll stand outside for 18 minutes of silence.  They chose 18 minutes because they say every 18 seconds a woman experiences domestic violence.  They’ll also be handing out information.