Warren raises prove new board needed

Once again our illustrious Warren Township High School board has picked the pockets of district taxpayers. The 6 percent annual raise given to Superintendent Sobocinski for the next 3 years and the 6 percent annual raise over 4 years given to Mary Perry Bates and over 5 years to Carol Rogers prove once again that this board, except for Richard Conley who voted against the proposal, are not faithfully representing the taxpayers and are out of touch with current economic conditions.

Sobocinski also has 200 sick days as part of his agreement. It's ridiculous. While the 6 percent raise for Sobocinski is legal, it is not mandated and it is usually given to increase benefits for retiring educators. It isn't necessary and should not be granted. These people are earning upward of $190,000 per year. Board President John Anderson said the raises were necessary to keep Sobocinski at Warren. THE MAN IS RETIRING IN 3 YEARS. If he wants to leave and find another position to serve his last three years, let him go. If he decided his $200.000 salary wasn't enough, let him go! Now he will leave in 2012 with a salary of $228,290 plus unused sick days.

After 4 years of annual raises Bates' salary will be $186,200. After 5 years of annual raises Rogers salary will be $179,675.

The board has done a disservice to the taxpayers they are elected to represent. It should be a wake-up call for Warren Township residents. Boot them out next election and elect board members who will have better judgment. I realize board members are unpaid positions and not always gratifying. They are subject to outside pressures from unions, educators, parents and others. But when it comes to dollars and sense they need to hold the line as much as possible. Remember, government (schools included) cannot give anything to anyone that they do not take from someone else.

Paul Saam

Gurnee