Did Franklin School Teacher and Union Rep Threaten School Board Member's Kids?

We received this information via email yesterday from a Franklin parent and taxpayer who attended the November 30 Franklin School Board Meeting:

I attended the last Franklin School Board Meeting and happened to sit near “Margaret” who I understood to be the local union president representing Franklin teachers.  [further research by this publication revealed this individual to be Marquerite Dargiewicz an Art teacher at Ben Franklin and Country Dale Elementary Schools].

During school board member Tim Nielson’s presentation concerning the update to the Teacher’s Handbook, I learned that Franklin teachers accrue 12 paid sick days per year.  I also learned that up to 120 days of unused paid sick days can be “banked” and paid-out at retirement.

Mr. Nielson,  who I understand is a small businessman, mentioned that no one [I assumed he meant in the private sector] gets that sort of benefit, and suggested a number of alternatives before being shut down by both School  Superintendent Steve Patz and board member Judith (anything for our teachers) Bialk.  I then heard “Margaret” ask a Franklin teacher “Does he[Neilson] have any kids in our school system?”  When the teacher replied “Yes,” they both chuckled.

As the meeting continued, I felt that both [Ms.] Bialk and [Dr.] Patz were trying to intimidate [Mr. Nielson] by suggesting, how do you expect to keep good teachers?  [Like those teaching the kids in this video?]

Bialk was definately trolling for the teacher votes.

Thanks to the McIver Institute for this video.

Dr. Patz, Marquerite  Dargiewicz and each school board member were offered the opportunity to comment on this story prior to its Tuesday, December 6, 5:00PM publishing.