Dist. 211 teachers are well paid

To the editor: Saturday's article about the new contract for District 211 teachers mentions that their health insurance costs for next year have risen to $3,360 for the family plan. I assume that coverage is for teacher, spouse, and children.

My wife and I, a retired family of two taxpayers living in District 211, pay a combined total of $6,280 for our Medicare plus a supplement. That's the 2007 cost; it goes up for 2008. I'd bet that the teachers have better coverage than Medicare.

My point is that District 211 teachers receive an overall compensation package that is very high. Viewing the teacher's medical coverage, pension benefits, and salaries, plus the vacation, would be a fairer way of viewing their financial situation.

I believe teachers are paid very well.

Robert A. Zimmer

Palatine