District 75 to cut teachers

Fifteen teachers are expected to be laid off in Mundelein Elementary District 75 as a result of declining enrollment, officials said Monday. Further cuts are anticipated, but the total number is to be determined. The district is planning a public hearing March 8 to discuss the reduction in force.

Without any changes, the district will be $1 million or more in the red July 1, the beginning of the 2010-11 budget year.

"That's presuming that things are pretty steady at the state instead of a reduction," said Wells Frice, school board president.

The board has directed the staff to shave the projected deficit to $250,000, he added.

The district relies on state funding for about 22 percent of its budget. Delayed payments and uncertain future funding for grant programs will mean more reduction in force notices than normal will be issued, according to the district.

School staff are notified 60 days before the end of the school year that their position may not be filled for the following school year.

"They are going to be reducing teaching staff because of lower enrollment and to balance the budget," said Nate Sather, co-president of the Mundelein Elementary Education Association, which represents about 160 teachers.

"That will mean larger class sizes. It won't be a huge jump," he added. Programs such as music, art or physical education won't be affected.

Teacher salaries are one thing that will be a constant for planning purposes as the district and teachers recently reached a new two-year contract.

Teachers will receive a salary increase of 0.25 percent the first year and 0.35 percent the second year. They also will receive a 2 percent "step" or experience increase of each year, which is half the current 4 percent step increase.

The starting salary, which was $33,998 for 2009-10 will increase to $34,083.

"The teachers of the district are definitely doing their part to help balance the budget," Sather said.

"We think it's a reasonable accommodation to both sides and it helps us plan with better certainty," Frice said.

The district's contribution for dependent insurance will increase from 30 percent to 35 percent, but future retirement benefits and early retirement benefits above the state-required contribution will be eliminated, according to the district.