District 203 teachers deserve raises in new contract
Regarding Naperville School District 203 contract negotiations, the teachers who are employed by District 203 deserve a salary increase.
Let us not forget why Naperville is such a growing and sought-after place to live — its excellent school system. Naperville North and Naperville Central are ranked among some of the best high schools in the state. That’s partially why our property values are so high.
Also, most of the teachers in the district have master’s degrees or higher — an equivalent if not greater education level than any accountant, lawyer or business executive who lives in our community.
But more importantly, teachers work long hours and sacrifice time regularly with their own families in order to provide the children of our community with an excellent education. Many District 203 graduates go on to prestigious universities.
In addition, don’t judge their work hours by the clock of the school day. Teachers labor at home in the evening, get up early to prepare for the day and spend weekends grading papers. The challenges of the classroom are stressful. Teachers must lovingly care for those students in their classes who might be dealing with eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, physical abuse, anxiety issues and learning disabilities.
The school day is a nonstop whirlwind of decision-making as teachers help students navigate their futures both academically and socially.
And let’s not overlook the latest demand placed on teachers — having to train and prepare for a school shooter. Don’t think the teachers in our district don’t think about that almost everyday they come to work.
So, if they are asking for a raise to compensate them adequately for all they do for our children, I am happy as a longtime district taxpayer (and a fourth-generation Naperville resident) to pay it!
Lois Graham, Naperville
Give Naperville teachers expanded family care benefits
AAUW Naperville Area supports Illinois Senate Bill 835, known as the Illinois Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act, and the U.S. House bill creating The Family Act.
Both bills propose broad paid leave for family care. As such, we lend our support to the Naperville Unit Education Association teacher union’s contract proposal that would give them additional days of paid family and medical leave.
We acknowledge the impact of the global pandemic on public education and remote schooling on families. We recognize that here in the U.S., our public schools also provide child care, social and emotional support, and meals in addition to education.
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In September 2020, 865,000 women left the labor force, compared to 216,000 men, largely due to caretaking responsibilities falling disproportionately to women during the pandemic. Keeping schools open is vital to all families as open schools enable parents to work.
We urge the District 203 School Board to approve the union’s request that teachers be allowed to used accrued sick days to cover unpaid family and medical leave, realizing that Illinois and other states are moving in this direction for the betterment of all.
We also urge both parties to find a way to avert a strike for the sake of all families in the district.
Elizabeth Carroll and Peggy Frank
AAUW Naperville Area Public Policy Committee
Baseball means summer, family and memories
Football may have higher TV ratings but I don’t think many adults fondly remember the first football game they where taken to.
Baseball is family and memories. The summers, the smell of the freshly mowed grass, the players you could talk to, the sights and sounds of a roaring crowd. A sport that required a knowledge of strategy. A sport where you could sit up close and feel the action.
It is a timeless connection to our past. A past that we pass down to generations. Baseball is not just a sport. It is us.
Jeffrey Crowell, Naperville
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