Let's look beyond blaming teachers

I wonder if Robert Melbye (Feb. 21 Fence Post) checked his facts lately about the salary increases and pension increases he claims that teachers receive.

I have just recently attended two public meetings regarding the Elgin Area U-46 budget situation, and here are several of the choices that teachers are being asked to consider accepting, starting with the upcoming school year: reduce compensation by 1 to 5 percent and increase contribution for insurance from 10 percent to 25 or 30 percent. They are also being asked to accept larger class sizes along with less support help (larger class sizes = layoffs).

Mr. Melbye claims that the private sector has longer work hours; well, all of the teachers I know put in at least 10-hour work days at the school alone; then come home with more work. I would also like to know how many in the public sector buy their own office supplies? Does he realize teachers buy a majority if not all of their instructional materials and even purchase supplies for their students? All of this while the state of Illinois is $19 million behind in its payments to U-46, continues to underfund the pension fund, and also continues to pass more unfunded mandates which the school districts are required to implement.

Yes, I agree something must be done, but let's look beyond blaming teachers (who also work through the summer in professional development, continue their education at their own cost or teach summer school or tutor) and start looking at the politicians who continue to avoid the issue.

Wayne Stringham

Carol Stream