Patton Elementary School teachers in Riverdale District 133 officially went on strike Tuesday.
The district offered a four-year contract with raises of 4.5%, then 4% each of the following years. The teachers want a 6% raise for three years to bring their salaries closer to the state average.
Staff are also striking over the district’s dress code, saying they are professionals and know how to dress for work. Lashon Howard walked his four children to school so that he and his wife could go to work. He said his children are getting good grades and love their teachers. The strike means children are not receiving education. "The teachers here are so wonderful, if they’re not getting a fair contract it affects us, too," Howard said. "The school is understaffed. It’s not fair to them to not get a good contract. It’s not fair to us parents to have to watch this.