CAT Tracks for June 5, 2012 SAD NEWS

Received word yesterday afternoon that IEA Associate General Counsel Wanda Van Pelt has passed away.

Wanda was "our lawyer" in a multitude of legal battles with Cairo School District Number One...making "the trip south" (from her Edwardsville office) to interview CATs and represent them in grievances, arbitrations and/or unfair labor practices. Many a day (and night) that Wanda spent in Cairo providing legal counsel during strikes.

I have lost track of number of times that Wanda arrived at my doorstep, trusty laptop and portable printer in hand. She would sit patiently, shaking her head as she listened to the testimony of abused CATs, early on losing any feelings of "shock and awe". However, there were occasions when even Wanda was moved to interject: "They can't do that!"...except that, of course, they did. Wanda would then set to the task (in her always business-like manner) of righting the wrong.

Wanda did not abide losing...winning case after important case for CAT (and the former Cairo Association of Educational Support Professionals-CAESP.)

Unfortunately...

From her obituary - the notice that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Susan G. Komen Foundation - there was one personal battle that Wanda (like so many, many others) was destined to lose.

I join with the entire IEA family in mourning Wanda's passing. She will be sorely missed by the IEA for her legal expertise and skills. But, more importantly, for those who were blessed to know her, Wanda will be missed just for being Wanda.

Rest in peace, Wanda...