Teachers' union, school board trustee should stop acting like children

It's a shame that the teachers' union in Conejo Valley Unified School District and Michael Dunn, a member of the board of education, can't find a compromise over their latest squabble.

Dunn, you might recall, tried to poll district teachers about their preferences regarding the start date of winter break. It began last year on Fri., Dec. 23, only two days before Christmas, and Dunn thought it would be wise to adjust the schedule this year.

On paper, it doesn't sound unreasonable that a member of the board of trustees might want to check the pulse of teachers regarding a public matter, and although we allegedly live in a free country, Dunn broke some obscure law. Apparently, teachers aren't supposed to be polled by anyone but their own union.

Dunn publicly admitted that he unknowingly made a mistake. That should have been enough to end the matter.

But the teachers' union wanted more. It demanded that Dunn sign, in writing, that he was wrong and promise not to repeat the mistake. It also demanded that Dunn take training courses offered by the state's School Board Association. The union also wanted the board of education to sign a document "repudiating the illegal acts of Mr. Dunn" and insisted that the entire statement be entered in the minutes of a board meeting.

The other four members of the school board without objection agreed to the union's proposal. Dunn didn't and he is now the target of possible litigation.

What an incredible waste of time and money.

Dunn admitted he was wrong but that wasn't enough to satisfy the teachers' union.

A mountain has been made out of a molehill.

To use a classroom expression, both sides should stop acting like children.

It's time for compromise, not another clash of egos.

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