By Eric Stock
NORMAL – Unit 5 has paid nearly a $250,000 in fines because of a 10-year-old law meant to keep pensions from spiking before retirement.
Superintendent Mark Daniel told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin, while the district encourages teachers and administrators to get as much training and education as possible, knowing that will likely boost their pension payout, the district has been keeping a close eye to make sure there are as few instances as possible.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen’s interview with Daniel on WJBC.
“You are going to have exceptions but I think have to look at it very carefully (and say) why is that exception happening,” Daniel asked. “It’s not because we are trying to push people into higher pension rates.”
Illinois law requires school districts pay a fine if they give an educator a raise of six percent or higher within four years of retirement.
Promise Council
Unit 5 has about 100 parents who make up a group that makes sure students have everything they need to excel in the classroom.
Daniel has been kicking off the new school year by introducing the Promise Council at a half-dozen schools.
‘They say ‘We are going to eliminate all those barriers so kids can learn and be successful in their schools,” Daniel said.
Daniel noted parents help students who might need anything from a jacket to a mattress at home.
Parents who want to help can call the Unit 5 office at (309) 557-4000.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
