Story posted Thursday, June 11, 2009
Dist. 15 Board Member Questions New Teachers Contract
One board of education member with Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 worries about the new three-year contract the district approved with its teachers union.
"This is a definite deficit spend," said Tim Millar on Wednesday. "It's going to come from our reserves for sure." The board approved the contract at its meeting on Monday, June 8.
Millar explained that after adding in base, lane, and step increases, the average raise would be about 5%. Raises would range from between 0.75% up to 12%. When asked if the district can afford the increased expenses, including health insurance benefits, Millar simply replied, "No."
He added that with the consumer price index cap on tax increases, the district would not be able to raise taxes high enough to pay for the new contract without a referendum.
"Mistakes up front are much more difficult to correct later because it compounds," he added.
Millar was also unhappy that the board was asked to vote on the $80 million contract without getting a chance to read and study the document.
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