This letter is in regard to recent reports concerning the elimination of unused sickday compensation for public employees.
I cannot speak to the situation as it exists for all public employees, but I will speak as a teacher. I have seldom used my sick days in my 32 years as a teacher … and this despite the fact that for more than 10 years I have been crippled by multiple sclerosis (MS). Most of my colleagues have similar attendance habits. We report to work because we like the job and the students and feel a true sense of responsibility to the school and community. None of us have thoughts of any “golden parachutes” of unused sick-leave pay. Indeed, as any retired teacher can tell you, after taxes it does not amount to a great deal.
I fear that eliminating this modest retirement payout for unused sick days will do our already stressed schools and taxpayers a disservice.
If a message of “use them or lose them” is created, then many teachers will use them. Schools must then call in a substitute teacher, which currently costs a district $100-$200 a day (and watch those rates double or triple as more demand is created), and students will lose many days of professional instruction.
My dad worked in a factory that did go by “use them or lose them.” I assure you that the workers used them.
Penny wise often results in pound foolish. Let us be mindful that actions often have unintended consequences.
Frank Yusko Spotswood