Protests Continue at Board Members' Homes

Protests in front of Strongsville School Board members homes have escalated this week as classes resumed after spring break -- despite unfair labor practice charges the school district has filed against the teachers' union.

Groups gathered outside Board Member Carl Naso's house the last three mornings, prompting Naso to call for a police officer to escort his 10-year-old daughter to the bus stop.

"I don't feel comfortable with my daughter and my wife going through the line on their own," Naso said.

He said the protesters have not harassed his daughter or acted aggressively. 

"They haven't done anything wrong -- other than being strangers in front of my house," he said.

In fact, on Thursday morning, the police officer told the group "enough is enough," Naso said, and the protesters went back to their cars and waited until the bus arrived.

Naso said he can't walk his daughter to the bus himself because the picketers start shouting when they see him.

"When I go out, they get agitated," he said. 

Pickets have also returned to his workplace in Beachwood, he said, carrying signs from early morning till 6 p.m.

Picketers also spent 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. outside board member Richard Micko's house this week, including when his children get on and off the school bus.

Protesters have also been at School Board President David Frazee's house in the mornings this week. On April 3, he called police about 8 a.m. and said he was trying to back out of his driveway, but there were picketers on the drive and lawn.

He asked police to assist so he didn't hit anyone with his car.

The Strongsville School District filed an unfair labor practice charge March 22, saying picketing in front of private homes and places of employment violates the law.

Groups of teachers and their supporters have been protesting outside board members' homes in the evenings for the last few weeks. They also gathered at Tri-C West, where Frazee works.

Negotiations On Again

As the Strongsville teachers strike continues through its fifth week, negotiating teams from the Board of Education and the Strongsville Education Association are meeting twice in two days.

After a 14-hour session on Wednesday, talks were expected to resume Thursday afternoon.

Both sides have been quiet about what -- if any -- progress is being made toward a contract agreement.

Recent Stories:

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Teachers' Union Criticizes Cost of Keeping Schools Open

Students Trickle Out of District During Strike

'No Progress' After 11-Hour Negotiating Session

Teachers Union Files 3rd Unfair Labor Charge Against School Board

Strongsville Teachers' Strike Week 4: No End in Sight?

For other stories on the teachers' strike, click here.

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