Indian Prairie School District 204 Reduces Pay for Retired Substitute Teachers Amid Budget Concerns
The Indian Prairie School District 204 board has approved a 35% reduction in pay for retired teachers working as substitutes, a reversal from an earlier decision to increase their rates. This change will decrease the daily pay for retired substitute teachers from $310 to $200. The district had initially approved raises for all substitute teachers, including retirees, to remain competitive with surrounding districts. However, citing significant budget concerns and a projected $5.6 million deficit, the board revisited the rates. The daily pay for regular substitute teachers will remain at $130, and long-term substitutes will still receive $310 per day. The district anticipates this pay cut for retired substitutes will save approximately $400,000 in 2027. School board president Laurie Donahue emphasized the necessity of these savings given the district's financial challenges, which include federal fund cuts, state reimbursement cuts, and increased vendor costs. 
