Dist. 47 freezes teacher salaries

In a reflection of the budgetary difficulties facing most school districts in the state, the Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 school board on Tuesday inked a new teachers contract that freezes salaries next year.

District leaders said the three-year deal would allow the district to balance its budget without cutting programs or laying off teachers.

"We feel this is - fiscally responsible," Superintendent Donn Mendoza said. "It keeps our teachers employed. It allows us to balance our budget in year three of the contract."

Teachers union Co-president Debbie Gorecki echoed Mendoza's remarks.

"I thought the contract was fair," Gorecki said. "The biggest goal was to keep people employed and not cut programs for the students."

The board passed a nonbinding resolution earlier this month pledging not to cut teachers or programs for the duration of the contract - as long as there is no unforeseen revenue catastrophe.

Despite that pledge, Mendoza expects the district to eliminate its deficit during the 2012-13 school year.

"We're confident we can do that without impacting teaching positions or programs," the superintendent said.

District 47's deficit is projected to be about $5 million during the 2010-11 school year and roughly $3 million the year after. Mendoza said the district will use cash reserves to cover the shortfall.

Other highlights of the contract include:

• Overall, salaries will rise by half of the rate of inflation in years two and three. A joint committee will determine how that money will be distributed to teachers in year three.

• Pay for teachers who lead chorus, band, clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities will be frozen for all three years.

• Pay for teachers who supervise lunchrooms and buses is reduced by 20 percent for the duration of the contract.

• Tuition reimbursement will be cut in half in years two and three.

The contract does not change teachers' existing health insurance or pension benefits, Mendoza said.

Five board members voted for the contract. While stating his support for the agreement, Rob Routzahn abstained from voting because his wife is a teacher in the district. Virginia Visin was out of town.