Bonuses For Group Of Hinsdale D-86 Employees

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86's teacher's aides in special education are set to receive bonuses of up to $3,000 later this school year.

Last week, the board voted 5-1 for the bonuses for the special education aides, officially known as paraprofessionals.

When member Cynthia Hanson's name was called, she paused before voting no. Member Kathleen Hirsman was absent.

In an email to Patch, Hanson noted one person during public comments asked the board to delay action on the item. She said she was for the bonuses, but wanted to vote on the issue at a later meeting in response to the person's request and in the "spirit of compromise."

"Ultimately, I know it takes a village and am very grateful for everyone in our D86 family that helps our students every day in every way," Hanson said.

During the board meeting, Cheryl Moore, assistant superintendent of human resources, said many districts are struggling to keep teacher's aides, particularly those in special education.

"We have experienced 24 percent turnover in this (special education) group in the past year. And the candidate pool is small, resulting in more vacancies than we have had in the past," Moore said.

She said the bonuses would be paid for with savings from the vacant aide positions.

"It's not adding to our budget, but repurposing some of those funds," Moore said.

She said she hoped the bonuses would create an incentive for the aides to stay through the rest of the year. The district, she said, brought the idea of bonuses to the union leadership.