Why don’t they allow the citizens of Chicago to vote on this? They could present the options like this: Your neighbor, a teacher, makes twice as much as you, works less hours, is not responsible for results/job performance, has an exceptional health and retirement plan, and job security. However, at a time when you have lost your job or had no raises for years, they are demanding a 16% increase. In order to fund this, it will cost you this much in sales and income taxes, thereby reducing your net income. As a side note, this amount could rise by an additional amount if the federal subsidy is deleted. Never mind that these are the same people unable to get your children through high school or meet national testing standards. Oh, and as a side note, forget about the inconvenience they caused you by striking and your lost wages as you scrambled to make arrangements for keeping your children. Now, in the interest of fairness, I’m sure this would pass.
I agree with your suggestion. I also think that Chicago should have an elected school board. All of the board members are appointed by the mayor.