Dist. 15: Deal fairly with your therapists

To the editor: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The occupational, music and physical therapists in District 15 may be small in number, but their value makes the district a whole. Unfortunately these dedicated people are still working without a contract and the District 15 school board is taking advantage of their loyalty rather than respecting it.

Instead of treating their therapists as an essential part of the whole with respect and consideration, the school board refuses to negotiate with them.

These therapists were told at the time of hire that they would be paid at least at the Masters salary level. And they were, but only during the early years. For a time their salaries were even frozen! Since the board hasn't offered a counter proposal a mediator must be requested.

The residents of Palatine are smart enough to know that children needing the assistance of therapists must get that attention at the earliest possible intervention. The latest practice of having therapists in the classroom to adapt the space and learning materials according to the student's disability has proven to be the most successful, yet these therapists have very little budget. They frequently buy things to help their students out of their own pockets!

Therapists are required members of the special education programs in our schools. They are the professionals that move children from a place of frustration and failure to a future with potential success. Please urge the District 15 school board to honor this important part of their school system with a fair contract NOW.

Shirley Forpe

Palatine