Lack of alertness in granting contract

Where was the U-46 school board during contract negotiations with Superintendent Neale? It was fairly clear that Neale had no intention of remaining in Elgin for any length of time. A contract amendment in 2004 required the district to pay for Neale's moving expenses upon retirement. Remember, Neale was only hired in 2002. In 2005, her contract allowed her to move outside the school district.

Not done yet. In 2006, the school board amended her contract to require Neale to maintain residency in the district until two years prior to her retirement. Did the board not see the writing on the wall?

It now is clear Neale's retirement is upon us. The district taxpayers paid over $13,000 to move this five-year employee to Missouri. But what is most appalling is how Neale retired. She took a medical leave of absence to boost her pension. The board should have seen this coming. Neale is using her 448 accumulated sick days. I am at a loss as to how a five-year employee can accrue 448 sick days. Are there other professions that accrue sick days at this rate? As a nurse, I know our profession does not. I know a good number of physicians who work weekends, answer middle-of-the-night phone calls and make middle-of-the-night hospital visits, who do not come anywhere near making this kind of money with these outrageous benefits.

I would suggest physicians hire U-46 School Board President Ken Kaczynski to negotiate on their behalf. Or better yet, how about the senior citizens who received a meager 2.3 percent raise in their Social Security benefits? They could use Mr. Kaczynski's expertise in negotiating a contract.

Carolyn Palash

Winfield