Northwest Indiana Discussion

Of course it will cost money, but why should our tax dollars pay for kids whose parents do not reside in our school district? Hopefully taking action like this will help deter others from tying to cheat the system and take advantage of our tax dollars. I see this as money well spent.

Ok, looking beyond the $40 to $50 per hour these "detectives" will be getting, plus mileage, and whatever perks, there is NO MENTION as to how the school districts will recoup the tuition that these student's parents will owe. If they take the legal process, that could cost thousands of dollars that, I am sure, these parents, or grandmas, or whatever, do not have. Face it, these illegal kids are being sent to out of district schools just to get away from their environment. It is much easier for the parent to put their kid on a PACE bus than it is to relocate to Calumet City.

D.157 extends vision, dental care

BY JOAN CARREON
Times Correspondent | Friday, February 13, 2009
CALUMET CITY | For the first time in school history, a new, three-year contract for Hoover Schrum Elementary District 157 teachers, paraprofessionals and secretaries will offer dental and vision benefits to members of all three employee groups.

One day after it was unanimously ratified by the union's rank and file, the landmark agreement won approval from the School Board on Tuesday. Board President Natalie Barnes and Vice President Kelsy Cowley did not attend; and member Kenneth Taylor was not present for the contract vote.

"I'm very pleased," said union President Susan Henke. "It shows the School Board and union are working together and philosophically share the same goals,"

The deal provides union members with pay raises of 4 percent in each of the three years, the option of taking part in dental and optical plans beginning July 1, a wellness plan reimbursement of up to $100 this year, pay for teachers who may substitute for other teachers, and teacher stipends for new offerings at Hoover Elementary School such as intramurals, choir and a male mentoring program.

It also includes evaluation procedural guidelines for employees - something which previously was only in the district's administrative manual.

Henke, who also teaches at Schrum Memorial School, said having such information in the contract gives more "structure and meaning" to employee evaluations.

The pact is retroactive to July 1 and continues through June 30, 2011. It covers 64 full-time teachers, 18 paraprofessionals and six secretaries. Two part-time, Title I nonunion teachers also will receive salaries and benefits under the plan, Henke said.

Because this was the first time the employee groups bargained together, negotiators were responsible for blending the contracts for all three units.

"It provides us with the parameters to effectively do our jobs and protect everyone's interests," said Michele Morris, District 157 superintendent.

Under the pact, the annual base salary for a beginning teacher with a bachelor's degree and no previous experience will go to $34,451 this year, $35,485 next year, and $36,550 in the final year. A teacher with a master's degree and 30 years of experience will receive $73,342 this year, $74,590 in 2009-10, and $75,815 in 2010-2011.

Who said that they're getting full vision and dental? I didn't see that in the article. It says that they are being offered dental and vision. No where does it say that it's paid 100% by the district. You need to check your facts before you say things on the forum.

Also, you said that D157 doesn't have stellar teachers. How do you know that? Do your children go to that school? The school has made HUGE leaps and bounds. BOTH schools made AYP last year and I am confident they will make it again this year. The teachers work their a**es off trying to teach all of the children to be the best they can be. You also have to take into consideration what the teachers are dealing with at school. They are trying to teach students that come from the Inner City of Chicago, reading at 2 and 3 grade levels below grade level when they get here, a lot of them have no parents, only guardians, foster parents, aunts or grandparents raising them. It's a different world than it was when we went to school.

As far as feeding the students, there was NO mention about that in your earlier post, but while we're on that subject, State law mandates that the district offers breakfast and lunch to the students.

Then I guess we know one of the reasons this state is so screwed up.

Hey funnyman get rid of TENURE and then see where the teachers stand with school boards....How many people in industry
have just about a lifetime guarantee for keeping their jobs

The State of Illinois is not the only State that provides free meals to low income kids. I've read studies that have indicated that spending for food was worth the cost showing that the grades have improved because of such programs, citing that a hungry kid has problems learning and also worrying where there next meal is coming from.

LoisLane is also critical about the latest D157 teacher's contract. You state that D157 do not have stellar teachers, based on what? D157 has made AYP and have shown yearly improvement in academics. Just because the schools may not meet or exceed the state averages do not mean they are failing, you have to judge their record based on improvement and outlook for the future and the abilities of the students. The teachers have done a very good job in D157, and the board has to be competitive with other school districts to be able to retain or recruit quality teachers. It’s no different than any other business. Do you think big companies provide benefits because they want to, I don’t think so, it’s because they have to to remain competitive in the employment race. Same thing applies to school systems. Do the unions force the issue, oh yes they do which makes it even more difficult for school boards. The negotiating teams on both sides of the table know what other school districts are offering and paying their teachers. I agree, the economy is tough, but the kids must still be educated and the school systems must remain competitive. You are absolutely right, I am critical. Someone should be.