Teachers strike negotiations resumed this week in Waukegan, but parents and students in District 60 were left scrambling to occupy their days without classes.
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The Waukegan Park District, Waukegan Public Library, Boys and Girls Club of Lake County and other agencies expanded their programming to try to meet demand.
Jay Lerner, superintendent of recreation for the Park District, said they were aware for the last couple weeks of a possible strike and began planning.
“We are here to provide a service and reach out to the community during the strike,” Lerner said. “With 17,000 students out of school, many with working parents, they have to have somewhere to go.”
Students can find academic, sports, movies, bowling as well as other activities. Piano studios are available for high school students at the Jack Benny Center.
Liliana Leguizamo, a freshman at Waukegan High School who is on the junior varsity volleyball team, spent Monday practicing at the fieldhouse. Some members of her team played the junior varsity boys.
“The boys won,” Leguizamo said. “But it was lots of fun and we bonded. I like having this extra time to hang out with my team.”
In spite of the good time, Leguizamo said the strike is upsetting.
“We can’t go to school and practice with our equipment,” she said. “It’s disappointing. I love learning and look forward to school.”
About 75 students participated Monday morning in a “fitness free for all ” on the Park District basketball court. Lerner said he expects more participants as word gets out about the programs.
Rena Morrow, public relations manager for Waukegan Public Library, said there were children waiting at the door when they opened at 10 a.m. Monday. The library will offer activities from the Kohl Children’s Museum from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and family film with free popcorn from 1 to 3 p.m. The library is also offering homework help with nutritious snacks from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
The Boys & Girls Club of Lake County normally has an afterschool program, but the part-time staff is extending work hours during the strike, and administrators and volunteers are pitching in as well. The club offers a morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack provided by the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
“The strike is what it is going to be,” said Donna Funk, Boys & Girls Club development director. “We are happy we can have the doors open, have the kids here and keep them off the streets in a safe place with some positive programming.”
The teachers strike began Thursday. Negotiators for the union and the district met Monday and were scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon.