Like everyone with kids in the SV school district I am both disillusioned and disgusted by the strike. Initially, I saw valid points on both sides of the argument. I have to say, though, that the more I read and watch commnets from the teachers negotiaters the more disappointed I am in them. It is becoming evident to me that the teachers representatives have no intention of settling for anything less than what they are currently demanding. As noted by others, right now there is no downside to them missing work. They will be paid when they come back and many will use sick days to vacation over the holidays while our children are forced to go to school. But what happens to their leverage once they go back on 11/16. I understand they are already talking about striking again and extending the school year to 6/30. Do they really think the board will settle once that happens? If they are so convinced their position is correct why not submit to arbitration? Finally, the school board is not without fault either. Why not offer what the factfinder reccommended? It seems like a fair compromise. If the teachers reject that too at least the board will have aligned themselves with what an independent, unbiased third party determined to be fair.