They're trying to make the teachers pay for the political repercussions of giving (Atwater) the bonus in the first place.

We talked about our options . . . It was clear that teachers and staff in this district felt we have no other choice but to go on strike if we can't reach a fair settlement. We have never been on strike. This was not an easy decision but one we felt we had to make.

Our basic point is, they can afford it.

They (the bargaining team) felt a lot of pressure. Pressure to try to reach an agreement, pressure to avoid any serious consequences. Ultimately, they decided to let the membership decide.

People were very angry at the disrespect they feel the board continues to lay upon them.

In the state of Wisconsin it's mandated that teachers in the social sciences and hard sciences have to start giving environmental education by the first grade, through high school.