Sunday, May 02, 2010

Dunlap Schools Also Have a Lot of Tax Dollars to Spend

Erik Christian, Peoria County assistant Human Services Director was hired by the taxpayer funded Dunlap School District 323 to be Human Services Director. Erik was making $61,277 with generous benefits. At Dunlap he will be making _____fill in the amount but considerably more than he was earning at the county position.

Here again, I do no begrudge Erik for his efforts at upward earnings or opportunity. I amazes me how taxpayer supported schools ALWAYS clamoring for more money can pay so much more than a public body like Peoria County.

As was also noted Peoria County Financial Officer Erik Bush making $96,373 with generous benefits was hired by McLean County Unit District 5 at roughly $34,000 a year more than the tax supported Peoria County could afford to pay. Bush's wife, I understand, was also offered at job in McLean County. No money left in Peoria to hire her for a teaching position which I understand she has qualifications?

Did union scale in Peoria #150 School which hires and pays by seniority instead of merit have anything to do with Mr. Bush's decision?

Anyway, losing these two well-paid County employees to school districts leaves gaps that must be filled and filled soon. Our Administrator says these two employees were leaving on good terms and that Peoria County has "strong leadership and management with a vision."

With over 9,000 KNOWN unemployed people in the area right know it should be relatively easy to find replacements without trying to match Dunlap and McLean County generosity.

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