Some questions for Warren school board
Dear Warren Township High School Board of Education:
As a taxpayer and a parent of students in WTHS, I am extremely disappointed and angered by your decision to provide a yearly 6 percent raise and additional incentives to our superintendent for the next three years. My reasons are as follow:
1. No one is receiving a 6 percent raise during these tough economic times, except maybe bank CEOs and other unethical people who took bailout money from our federal government in order to take care of themselves.
2. The quote from school board President John Anderson, "a 6 percent raise is not really out of the ordinary in anybody's world" is insulting and out of touch with reality. As the Daily Herald editorial stated Feb. 2, 2009: "It is out of line in almost everybody's world, where raises will average less than 3 percent in 2009."
3. It is hard to believe that in these times, the superintendent would choose to quit over money when he is three years out from retirement. How many school districts would pay him as much as Warren has just to watch him retire within 3 years?
4. A $500 monthly travel allowance? How far can he be traveling that he needs an additional $6,000 a year?
5. Two hundred sick days??? Do I even need to say more than that?
6. What does this say to WTHS staff members when it comes time to renew their contracts? Will you be making the same offer to them?
It is disgusting to me that you would so cavalierly throw money around when people are losing their jobs and struggling to survive during this recession. It has me very concerned as to whether or not you will manage in a responsible manner the millions of dollars approved by the taxpayers in the most recent referendum.
Finally, Mr. Conley, thank you for voting against this raise. I appreciate that you are looking out for the best interests of the community during this difficult time. You will have my vote in the next election.
Jennifer Gould
Gurnee