2-year pay freeze for Naperville teachers

I have read with great interest of the ongoing financial difficulties many school districts in the state of Illinois are experiencing. As a resident, and parent of children in Naperville Unit District 203, I am greatly concerned about the direction of the new pay contract currently being negotiated for the district.

In light of the current economic woes we are all suffering I would hate to see the school board approve any new salary increases that would necessitate major cuts in staff and programs. I would like to see the school board and union agree to a shorter 2-year contract that freezes all pay at current levels, no step increases, no lane change increases, and no base pay increases. Freeze all pay at current levels for two years.

That alone should save the district around $5 million per year and allow District 203 to keep all staff. I would hate to see more people laid off, especially nontenured staff. This will allow class sizes to stay appropriately sized and with a shorter contract, the union can renegotiate when economic conditions improve.

I encourage all residents of District 203 to attend school board meetings and express your opinions. In this current environment the taxpayers of District 203 can no longer afford 5 percent-plus annual salary increases.

Kurt Dorr

Naperville