Opinion: 'Please Vote NO to Continue Pension Spiking in District 86'

Written and submitted by Edward A. Corcoran.

Speaking as an individual, who currently sits as Vice President and Finance Committee Chair for the Hinsdale High School District 86 School Board, I personally urge all voters to Vote “NO” and send a message to the District 86 Board and Union that you oppose all pension spiking in District 86 as unethical, unsustainable and not tolerable for taxpayers. Please vote “NO” to this referendum question asking voters for to continue the 6% annual compounded salary spike for the teachers, guidance counselors, social workers and librarians in District 86 (Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South High Schools). Given that it takes at least 3 years to phase out pension spiking due to the ongoing clauses in previous contracts, we need to start now. Our average total compensation last year was approximately $111,000 (without benefits) and most all retirees will make over $100,000 per year in their pension, while subsidized healthcare continues thru the local District 86 insurance policy. Even under the recently signed 2 year Union contract, pension spiking continues despite our efforts to control the Union demands. The new automatic increases of 3% allow the ability for other income to continue to get the 6% spike, a backdoor way of readily obtaining a 6% spike on the future pension payments. Taxpayers should voice their opinion to the Board and to the Union for a halt to all pension spiking by voting “NO” on November 4th.

Ed
Edward A. Corcoran