Appleton Teachers Fill School Board Meeting with Balloons, Messages

Nearly 300 Appleton teachers carried more than 1,000 helium-filled balloons to the school board meeting Monday night to communicate their frustration over the Qualified Economic Offer law and lack of a contract.

The balloons, which represented the 1,000-plus members of the AEA, were attached to postcards with the messages "Let's Build on the Best" and "Public Schools Work for Wisconsin." On the reverse side was written the name of each AEA member and the number of years they have served in the education profession. To reflect the holiday season, green and red printed cards were also attached which stated "I support the Appleton Education Association's negotiations committee" and "Rise to the challenge. Lift the QEO!"

AEA members, attired in black, also wore buttons stating: "Quit Economic Oppression."

Peg Kading, chair of the AEA Negotiations Committee, told board members that the balloons -- which were many colors, sizes and textures -- reflected the diversity of the school district employees. She said all examples of diversity make us strong.

AEA President Marcia Engen said many cultures recognize the current holiday season as the time of year for giving and receiving gifts. At that point seven AEA members (Ann Paton, vice president A; Sue Glasheen, vice president B; Ken Flood, treasurer; Gary Mulry, secretary; Noelle Mudrak, internal communications chair; Claudine Happel, Issues Resolution Council representative; and Rich Erickson, professional rights & responsibilities assistant) presented the seven school board members with gifts of "messages" from AEA members.

Members composed their messages to the board by responding to two statements;

• "I believe that I give the gift of education every day. The following is one example of how I have helped the district be a better asset to the community."
• "My holiday 'wish list' from the board contains the following item which will assist me in more productively giving the gift of education every day."

These messages were tied together with holiday red ribbons (with a balloon attached) and given to each board member to read.

Engen ended her message requesting the board, in the spirit of the holidays, to join together with the AEA in a unified effort to repeal the QEO and school district revenue controls. Together they could "rise to the challenge," she said.

Posted December 8, 1997