I was planning to post this essay on DeKalb by local writer Janusz Maciuba later today, but events got ahead of it. A DeKalb resident, Maciuba teaches English as a Second Language at an area technical college.
Here is his piece with my note on today’s updates:
By Janusz Maciuba
The most popular teacher in every school is not the one who can control a class of hooligans or inspire students to love Shakespeare or physics. It is the teacher who knows about the retirement plan.
This teacher could explain why DeKalb is paying for two superintendents when there is only need for one.
Ramona Tyson, the previous interim superintendent, now tucked away in a make-work job, is still earning $235,000 a year.
The retirement teacher can explain: A teacher’s pension is based on years served and the average of two highest consecutive years of salary. If she had reverted back to a $150,000 position at the end of the interim period, she would be entitled to around $100,000.
Meanwhile,