Teachers ignore facts in Winthrop Harbor

In December of 2010, Winthrop Harbor School District No. 1 held two community meetings. At these meetings citizens asked the administration and teachers to consider a rollback in pay due to the recession, a recession which has grown deeper and currently does not have an end in sight.

We have seen our home values plummet to devastating levels. Many people have been laid off, some have taken pay reductions to keep their jobs. People at the community meetings suggested that our administration and teachers consider a rollback in pay to save the bus transportation and teacher layoffs. These requests seemed unnoticed.

Facts:

1. In 2007, a teacher being compensated at $57,000 in salary and benefits is now at $68,000

2. In 2007, an administrator being compensated at $46,000 in salary and benefits is now at $78,755

3. In 2007, a principal being compensated at $88,000 in salary and benefits is now at $108,000

4. In 2008, superintendent hired at $157,000 in salary and benefits is now at $171,000 Negotiations are occurring with the teachers union for a 2011-12 contract. A rollback in pay is not part of the preliminary plan. I urge taxpayers to attend the next school board meeting and be “on record.”

Ask why we are sacrificing the quality of our children’s education, safe bus transportation and teacher’s jobs in order to sustain a payroll which is beyond our means.

Dee Georgou

Winthrop Harbor