About 100 South Butler residents came together Wednesday night in support of a resolution to the ongoing contract dispute between teachers and the district’s school board.
Speakers at the “Heal Our Community Rally” included parents of children within the district, as well as students, former students and other members of the South Butler community.
Heather Helsel founded the South Butler School Action Committee, who organized the rally.
“It’s very upsetting that it’s gotten to this point,” Helsel said Wednesday. “It’s unfortunate that this is what we’re known for. South Butler has made it into the news more for our teacher strikes than the accomplishments of our students.”
The overwhelming viewpoint expressed by all who spoke on Wednesday night was in favor of the district’s teachers- with many sharing appreciation for their hard work without receiving appropriate compensation. Many teachers were in attendance at the rally, including a few who addressed the crowd.
The two sides met again Wednesday night for the third time in as many days. The South Butler Education Association will hold a members meeting at the VFW across from the school beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday to discuss what steps will be taken next.