Dupage Policy Journal

In recent years, generous benefits packages have been awarded to new retirees of Community Unit School District 200. 

Notably, David Claypool, retired at age 60 with a base salary of $163,630, received annual medical coverage costing $23,276.48, along with $37,131.65 for vacation and $9,440.25 for sick leave. His total post-employment compensation amounted to $7,500.

Susan Waters, who retired at 59, received medical coverage costing $8,026.45 per year, in addition to $9,347.13 for vacation and $6,521.19 for sick leave, with her post-employment benefits totaling $20,000. 

Bill Farley, another retiree, had a base salary of $182,370 at age 55, with annual medical costs of $24,130.08, $39,980.94 for vacation, and $10,521.30 for sick leave, plus $25,000 in post-employment compensation.

Other retirees include Aaron Bacon, who retired at 60 with a base salary of $125,953, incurring $23,276.48 in medical coverage costs and $25,000 in post-employment compensation. 

Stephanie Mangini, who retired at 57 with medical coverage costs of $24,626.40 and received $25,000 in post-employment compensation. 

Colin Wilkie, aged 65 at retirement, had a base salary of $99,761 and an annual medical coverage cost of $24,178.20, along with $25,000 in post-employment compensation. 

Overall, the average base salary for the recent retirees was approximately $124,081.89, with total benefits paid at retirement totaling $158,586.50. 

The cumulative post-employment benefits for these retirees amount to over $183,500, raising questions about the financial sustainability of such packages.

Name	Age at retirement	Cost of Medical Coverage/Year	Date of retirement	Post-employment benefits end date	Employee base salary	Benefits paid at retirement - vacation	Benefits paid at retirement - Sick leave	Post Employment Compensation
Susan Waters	59	$8,026.45	12/30/2019	12/31/2024	$56,517.00	$9,347.13	$6,521.19	$20,000.00
David Claypool	60	$23,276.48	6/30/2020	6/30/2025	$163,630.00	$37,131.65	$9,440.25	$7,500.00
Aaron Bacon	60	$23,276.48	6/18/2020	6/30/2025	$125,953.00		$9,216.00	$25,000.00
Bill Farley	55	$24,130.08	6/30/2021	6/30/2026	$182,370.00	$39,980.94	$10,521.30	$25,000.00
Susan Baldrus-Straus	60	$16,641.24	6/30/2021	6/30/2026	$102,219.00		$5,897.25	$11,000.00
Scott Radford	58	$18,359.35	6/30/2022	6/30/2027	$117,543.00	$22,830.55	$6,781.35	$25,000.00
Stephanie Mangini	57	$24,626.40	6/20/2022	6/30/2027	$130,977.00		$9,583.65	$25,000.00
Colin Wilkie	65	$24,178.20	6/28/2024	6/30/2029	$99,761.00	$18,033.90	$5,755.50	$25,000.00
James Venckus	56	$35,058.48	6/28/2024	6/30/2029	$137,767.00	$31,262.33	$7,948.05	$20,000.00
						TOTAL: $158,586.50	TOTAL: $71,664.54	TOTAL: $183,500

CUSD 200's operating budget for fiscal year 2024, excluding debt service and capital projects, stands at $210 million.

This budgetary context underscores the financial pressures facing the district especially considering CUSD 200 is facing growing pension costs and retiree benefits. 

In Illinois, nearly 40% of every education dollar is allocated to pensions, significantly reducing resources available for teachers and students, according to Illinois Policy.

Since 2000, pension spending for retired educators has surged by 458%, while general education spending has only increased by 17% when adjusted for inflation. 

Illinois Policy notes this dramatic rise in pension costs diverts essential funds away from direct classroom needs and programs. 

Meanwhile, CUSD 200 residents on Nov. 5 will vote on whether to approve a $151.5 million referendum. 

According to district estimates, homeowners with a median-valued home would see their taxes decrease by approximately $71 per year with the new referendum, contrasting sharply with a projected $471 reduction in taxes if the referendum does not pass. 

The proposed referendum seeks to upgrade three middle schools. 

Former Republican state representative Ed Sullivan and Cor Strategies, a center right political strategy group, are backing the $151.5 million referendum aimed at upgrading three middle schools in Wheaton, which could ultimately cost taxpayers between $210 million and $236 million due to interest on bonds. 

Critics, including former state legislator Jeanne Ives, argue that this reflects a disconnect from community sentiment, particularly since property tax increases are a significant concern for many residents. 

“[T]he school district can't convince the people on their own to vote for their plan,” Ives said in a statement. “They literally hired campaign operatives to sell the referendum, that's how disconnected they are to most people in the district.”

Ives expresses shock that Republican leadership like Sullivan and Cor Strategies are cashing in on the referendum.

“We are supposed to be the party of low taxes, less government and property taxes are the number one complaint of most residents in Illinois,” Ives said. 

With spending per student rising over 30% since 2019, many taxpayers like Ives are questioning the necessity and sustainability of this proposed referendum amidst growing concerns about fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Skepticism also remains high due to the district's past failures to secure funding without voter input and the already incurred architectural costs of up to $770,000 for redesigns.