Community should show outrage over teacher deal

The recent approval of an unprecedented and unaffordable 10-year contract by the District 15 Board of Education must not be met with silence from our community.

The seven board members were elected to represent the interests of the entire community and they have refused to do so. They approved this outrageous windfall and now refuse to even share the details.

How much more disrespect will we allow? Even the Illinois Policy Institute weighed in on this unprecedented move, writing: "The future financial consequences of this contract could be devastating for local taxpayers ... median income for private-sector workers in the Palatine area has grown only 0.68 percent each year between 2009 and 2014. At that rate, income 'growth' has not even kept up with inflation - meaning the real value of private-sector employee earnings has actually fallen for District 15's residents."

Did you know the former head of the teachers union, now the head of Human Resources (what!?), was one of three people to negotiate on behalf of taxpayers? You cannot make this stuff up.

How stupid must they think we are?

The next board meeting is on May 11 at 7 p.m. at Sundling Junior High on Smith Street in Palatine. The community needs to turn out unless we want this statement by Supt. Thompson to stand, "Thompson said the reaction from residents has been supportive. He said he has received only a handful of emails criticizing the deal."

This deal is a slap in the face. Are you supportive? If not, see you May 11.

Vicki Wilson

Palatine