Over 70 teachers, parents and community members attended the Feb. 19 Sunman-Dearborn Community School Corp. meeting, most in support of the educators who have been without a contract for over three years.

Cindy Hilty, New Alsace, read a petition signed by 1,058 teachers, parents and/or taxpayers, asking trustees to drop a lawsuit recently filed against teachers who called in sick Nov. 14, 2008.

“We .... request that the school board stop using our tax dollars to sue our teachers. We believe that anything the board might intend to gain from this suit will be overshadowed by the bitter and long-lasting negative effect it will have on the morale of our teachers.

“We further believe that sending our teachers into the classroom with this dark cloud over their heads cannot be in the best interest of the children they teach.”

Immediately following the speech, applause resonated throughout the room and in the hallway, where an overflow of attendees stood.

Sandy Eppert, Guilford, told the board, stating, “The teachers’ contracts allow for sick days, personal days .... It should make no difference if teachers take their sick days piecemeal or all on the same day.

“This lawsuit will take tax dollars you say you don’t have .... where is the money coming from? .... You are failing to represent the constituents who elected you. The only ones who will benefit (from the lawsuit) ... are the lawyers.

“Regarding stalled contract negotiations, have you asked the administration to give up anything? .... Historically, administrators have always been given higher raises than teachers.”

Ken Wilson, teachers’ union president, asked trustees to “find a better place to have this (monthly) meeting .... some place we can all .... sit down.”

Diane Raver can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 114; or diane.raver@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.