I have had a child in District 95 since September 1999; my last child will leave the district in June 2017. Our district is blessed with talented and caring teachers who are fully committed to the career path they have chosen.
The average teacher’s salary at Brook Park and S.E. Gross schools is lower than the state average, and much lower than other area schools. When I questioned our oldest daughter’s teacher about the salary discrepancies, she said that many of the teachers remain in our district not because of pay, but because of the parent and community support.
We allow them to do what they love?”to teach a child. The support that we give them makes up for difference in pay. This statement was expressed in the fall of 2000. These thoughts still continue with the teachers.
Recently, I was speaking with a teacher, who expressed her gratitude for the district’s supportive parents and community members. In her first position at our schools, she was an aide, even though she had many years of experience of teaching. She also took a pay cut to remain in our district when offered a teaching position. She says the support she has received from her fellow teachers, parents, and community members has more than made up the difference.
I live close to Brook Park, so I see how many hours our dedicated staff members spend in our schools. Our teachers are there early in the morning and well past contract time in the afternoon to early evening. They are in on weekends and during the summer.
Teachers regularly come back to the schools in the evenings to see different programs and events in which the students are participating. Just this past weekend, our students participated in the West 40 Speech and Drama Competition, and I saw a teacher who came just to show support for the students.
The teachers in District 95 are passionate about their work, and it shows. Due to budget constraints, District 95 has replaced very few computers since technology was added to the curriculum in 1999. Erika Kandah, a second-grade teacher who has been in the district for just two years, conceived the idea for a Fashion Show. She spearheaded a committee of teachers and parents who worked for countless hours this summer and fall to organize the event, which raised $20,000 to purchase new computers at both schools.
Student participation in the band program has doubled under the direction of band teacher Katie Pilson, who is an alumna of District 95. Heather Kadlec, a sixth-grade teacher, developed a mentoring program to assist new teachers in their transition to the district. The list goes on and on.
Teachers are the lifeblood of any school district. We as parents and community members cannot afford to let a single one of these vital, talented individuals who are responsible for teaching our children lose their positions.
Support our teachers and the future of education in our community. Support the District 95 education fund referendum on March 21.
Doris Perry
LaGrange Park