Waukegan Schools Pause Teacher Raises Amid Course Review
Teachers in the Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 are facing uncertainty regarding their pay raises due to a review of online credits submitted for additional compensation. This review affects nearly 50 teachers who anticipated salary adjustments based on graduate-level coursework completed at Idaho State University. The scrutiny has left educators feeling blindsided, as many had expected significant increases in their paychecks scheduled for October 31, 2023.
During a recent Board of Education meeting, veteran teacher RayAnne Nickerson expressed her disappointment. With over 29 years in the district, she had taken online courses to qualify for a raise, but was informed just one day before payday that her increase would be paused. “We were blindsided on October 30 at 5:09 p.m. with an email from our union,” Nickerson stated.
The pause comes as the district conducts a thorough review of whether the courses from Idaho State meet the criteria outlined in the contract with the Waukegan Council Lake County Federation of Teachers Union. District 60 Superintendent Theresa Plascencia highlighted that the administration must ensure the credits submitted align with the standards of the teachers’ contract and board policy.
Concerns Over Course Validity
According to Plascencia, the potential salary adjustments could total over $190,000 for this year if the credits are deemed valid. However, preliminary reviews have raised concerns. Some submissions reflect coursework that typically requires multiple semesters to complete, prompting the district to reevaluate the legitimacy of these credits.
“We are conducting due diligence to ensure that all credits meet the standards outlined in the teachers’ contract,” Plascencia remarked. Traditional graduate-level courses generally span 16 weeks, and completing 30 credits could take one to two years of full-time study or over three years part-time.
Educators Voice Their Frustrations
Longtime teacher Lanette Oliver also expressed her frustration during the meeting. After successfully completing 15 credits in the spring and another 15 in the summer, her paperwork had been approved by Human Resources. “I was devastated,” she said, reflecting on her 28 years of dedication to the district.
The Board of Education President, Michael Rodriguez, shared his concern for the affected teachers. He acknowledged the hard work educators invest in advancing their qualifications and called on the administration to keep the board updated on the ongoing situation. “A lot of people spend a lot of time hoping to advance themselves,” he stated, recognizing the uncertainty many teachers are currently facing.
As the district navigates this review process, educators remain hopeful that their efforts in pursuing further education will eventually be recognized and compensated appropriately. The outcome of this review could have significant implications for teacher salaries and morale within the district.
