Dist. 15 therapists need fair contract

As a physical therapist who was formerly employed for 11 years in District 15, I was very surprised to read that the physical, occupational and music therapists of District 15 are still working without a contract. I know that these therapists have been negotiating for fair benefits and compensation for almost four years now, the first two were spent negotiating with the district independently and the last two with the union.

These therapists are a group of highly educated, in-demand medical professionals who should be paid equitably with the teachers, social workers, speech therapists and school psychologists.

The majority of these loyal therapists have worked in the district for more than 10 years providing quality care to the children who desperately need their services. As any parent of a special education student can attest, the continuity of care that these therapists provide is priceless. Their shoes can not be filled by inexperienced contract therapists who usually spend a year or so in the district and then leave to work in other settings.

Please support the therapists of District 15 in their quest to get a fair contract so that the students they serve can continue to receive the quality education they deserve.

Kathy Spinabella

Mundelein