Further details tell the full story

In response to Mr. Leo Dietrich's Nov. 11 letter, a more detailed examination of the financial situation at Lake Villa District 41 would show that, although the average compensation for administrators may be $100,000 per year, the result of a massive $2 million-plus restructuring that coincided with the 2005-2006 school year resulted in the elimination of several administrative positions from the budget. The superintendent compensation figure cited was for the former superintendent in the district and takes into account many of the end-of-career compensation moves that were common and have been accurately reported by the Daily Herald. Rest assured, our new superintendent, who began with our district at the start of the 2006 school year has a salary that is substantially lower than this amount, is quite reasonable and fair, and a contract that does not include many of the end-of-career financial perks that were commonly agreed to in years past.

I am proud of all the employees that work at Lake Villa District 41. We have a group of highly talented and motivated teachers, administrators, non-certified staff and volunteers that all work extremely hard at their jobs. They bring a true zest to the all-important task of educating our children and preparing them for life ahead.

The school board at Lake Villa District 41 takes seriously the fiscal responsibility that has been entrusted to it by the taxpayers in our district. A true measure of costs can be found when looking at the per-student tuition cost in our district. Of the 29 stand-alone elementary districts in the county, we rank at the bottom; yet we deliver as high a quality educational experience possible given our resources.

The questions raised and scrutiny provided is appreciated.

Ronald J. Vickers

Lake Villa District 41 Board of Education