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Thursday, April 7, 2005
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State leaders join in the happiness
Associate Editor State lawmakers who represent Crosby and Gov. Tim Pawlenty joined in the chorus of relieved observers at news of a settlement in the eight-week-old Crosby-Ironton teachers' strike.
Rep. Paul Gazelka, R-Brainerd, commended both sides for their willingness to negotiate and hammer out a settlement.
"Labor negotiations are not a pleasant process, as both sides can attest," Gazelka said. "But now everyone's focus should be to work together and heal the wounds created by this experience. There was a tremendous amount of vindictiveness shown throughout the community and now the teachers and district leaders can truly educate a region."
Gazelka, who has authored legislation that addresses athletic eligibility issues for students in districts affected by strikes, said an attorney for the Minnesota State High School League assured him Wednesday afternoon that an exception to current eligibility roadblocks was 98 percent certain. C-I athletes who transferred out of the district and want to come back and continue in athletics would be able to do so, regardless of the outcome of Gazelka's legislation.
Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, said he was eager to see the students and teachers return to school so the process of healing begins.
"I am relieved that the teachers and the school board came to an agreement in this lengthy strike that has taken a toll on our children and the community," he said.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty said both sides should be commended for working through difficult issues.
"We're glad that school bells will be ringing for all the students in the Crosby-Ironton district," he said.
MIKE O'ROURKE can be reached at mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5860.
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