(AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn’s proposal to merge Illinois school districts would trigger a sudden increase in teacher salaries that could reduce or even erase any administrative savings, according to labor and education experts. That’s because when two districts consolidate in Illinois, teachers in the lower-paying district are allowed to switch to the higher pay offered by the other. Quinn has discussed trimming Illinois’ 868 districts to just 300, saving money by eliminating some superintendents and other administrative personnel. His administration estimates that could save $100 million or more. But it would also mean teachers in hundreds of districts get raises and pension increases — with state government potentially paying the bill.
