No Threats From Elmhurst Teachers Union: Leader

ELMHURST, IL — The leader of Elmhurst's teachers union said Wednesday that the organization has made no threats to the school district, contrary to what a woman told the school board a day earlier.

In a message to Elmhurst Patch, Max Schoenberg, president of the Elmhurst Teachers Council, denied the woman's allegation. He said the union would likely make a public statement soon.

Elmhurst School District 205's board met for more than three hours in closed session Tuesday night. One of the stated reasons was union negotiations. The board took no action afterward.

During public input at Tuesday's virtual board meeting, resident Meredith Vogel, who pushed for a return to in-person learning, said she was "sickened by the most recent (Elmhurst Teachers Council) threats, and this needs to stop."

She also said, "Tell the union that their threats are unfounded."

On Wednesday, Elmhurst Patch left an emailed message about the allegation of threats with Beverly Redmond, the district's executive director of communications and public relations, who handles media inquiries. She confirmed receiving the message, but did not comment.

In August, the union repeatedly criticized the district for planning to begin the school year with a blend of in-person and remote learning. It said the dangers of the pandemic required remote instruction.

The district ended up starting the year remotely and only allowed in-person instruction for a brief time. Since October, school campuses have been closed to students, other than those with special needs.

Next week, the district has said it plans to resume a hybrid of in-person and remote learning.