For Immediate Release

September 22, 2005

Holland Community leaders from all walks of life were interviewed by a Crisis Assistance team of the Michigan Education Association (MEA) on Wednesday. The Holland teacher crisis was the subject of the survey.

“This is Phase One of our community outreach program,” said Martin Lankford, MEA Crisis Coordinator. “The Board imposed Focus Schools on the community. Now we believe they intend to impose a contract on the teachers.”

The Crisis Assistance team includes twelve field staff from MEA, a representative from the National Education Association, staff attorney Rick Long, and MEA General Counsel Art Przbylowicz. MEA Southern Zone Director Gretchen Dziadoz stated, “The full resources of the MEA are ready to support the Holland teachers.”

The 340 Holland teachers have been working without a contract since September 1.

The Holland Board recently severed their long-term relationship with attorney Bruce Lilly and hired attorney Barbara Ruga as their negotiator.

For related questions and information, please call Martin Lankford at 355-1936