Will the school board and union be responsible?

To the editor:

I would like to thank the Cuba Township board of trustees for its recent decision to shelve a tax rate increase. They considered that while the economy is in recession and people are struggling, that they would tighten their belts just like the rest of us. Thank you Cuba Township for all you do and your careful consideration.

The township portion of our property tax bill is only a fraction compared to the school district portion. 2/3 to ¾ of the bill goes to School District 220 and the bulk of that goes to salaries and benefits, contractually prescribed. Our current obligation expires end August ’09 so negotiations should soon be underway for the next 3 years arrangement.

The prior contract gave the teachers 5% in 2008-09 plus a 2-4% “step increase”, most totaling 7.5% to over 8%, some reaching almost 10%. The medical plan is paid 100% by the taxpayers. Dental, long term disability and a $35,000 life insurance benefit are all gratis. Retirement bonuses from $17,500-$45,000 depending on years worked but retirement as early as age 55 with as much as 75% of the 4 highest of your final 10 years would be a dream for the “regular Joe”. And add in a 3% cost of living increase every year. 12-23 paid sick days plus 2 “personal” days per year that can be accumulated; all of this adds up to an extremely generous package especially combined with an AVERAGE salary of almost $66,000. (2007).

I would ask the union and the school board to be as responsible as our township has been. Many in the private sector have taken reductions to keep jobs and businesses. Neighboring school districts are also reducing expenditures. Our district should be equally responsible.

Christine Boreland