Big Raises For These Hinsdale D-86 Teachers

HINSDALE, IL – Eight teachers at Hinsdale Central and South high schools are listed as retiring in four years, meaning they are in line for big raises.

Under the teachers union contract in Hinsdale High School District 86, the teachers are set to receive 6 percent pay hikes annually as long as they meet certain conditions. They plan to retire June 30, 2026.

Their commitments to retire are irrevocable, given the raises.

Teachers' salaries in their final years are a big factor in how much they make during retirement.

The practice of 6 percent raises – which critics call "pension spiking" – is common around Illinois. That's largely because the state, not individual school districts, picks up the employer's share of pension costs.

Here are the teachers who have given their notices to retire in four years:

• Rick Cazzatto, math, South
• John Charters, English, South
• Lisa Fernandez, science, South
• Julie Gaubitz, science department chair, South
• Susan Grady, English, Central
• Valerie Ruth, social studies, Central
• Heddi Sirovatka, math, South
• Julie Zastresek-Whaley, special education, Central

As of the 2021-22 school year, all eight teachers made $139,217, according to the district's compensation report.

After four years of 6 percent raises, their pay is set to exceed $172,000.