Some Differences 'Clearly Not Right' In Teacher Contract Negotiations

OPINION

By CHRIS FRANK

Dist. 86 parent

It is right that the District 86 Board and Hinsdale High School Teachers Association (HHSTA) are engaged in a spirited discussion about what is needed to continue the tradition of excellence at Hinsdale South and Central. There are differences -- that is fine, but some differences clearly are not right.

It is not right that some educators spontaneously dismiss any attempt at reform by labelling it as “extreme” or “radical.”

It is not right that some educators refuse to connect any component of job compensation to job performance.

It is not right that some educators insist on job protection because this encourages complacency, not continuous improvement.

And it is especially unethical that school districts throughout Illinois take advantage of the taxpayer by padding their retirement accounts via a legislative loophole known as pension-spiking.

A union spokesperson said that District 86 would be the only high school district in Illinois not to offer a salary schedule. The implication being that the district has to follow everyone or else it will be left behind.

Great institutions lead the way; they do not follow others. Great institutions are unafraid to challenge assumptions and conventional ways of thinking and propose new and better ways of doing things. Leadership in education implies that you are open to reform and that you are committed to advancing education, not entrenched in union dogma.

If you believe in accountability, and if you believe that entitlements have moral and financial costs to the community, support what is right and financially responsible. Support the D86 Board.