Senior Exchange Program
Enhancing Our Schools,
Assisting Our Seniors,
and Building Our Future
T o g e t h e r
What is the Senior Exchange Program?
The Senior Exchange Program allows residents age 55 and over who live within the district to share their expertise with students and staff. As an incentive to involve seniors in the educational program, the district reimburses them for their time. This partnership not only enhances the district's educational program by bringing seniors and students together to share their knowledge and experiences but also provides senior citizens with property tax relief.
Who can participate?
Senior citizens (age 55 and over) who are residents of School District 15
are eligible to participate. They may be property taxpayers who
own a home, reside in an apartment, or live with other family members.
What can we accomplish through this program?
We can:
- Provide students and teachers with additional support that is
a readily available resource in the community.
- Provide technology skills to seniors who may not otherwise have
an opportunity to learn them.
- Provide seniors with a sincere feeling of being needed.
- Provide seniors with a method by which they can personally contribute
to the School District 15 learning community while meeting
their tax obligation.
Where do participants work?
Seniors assist in the computer lab, resource center (library), lunch room, school office, or classrooms by helping students with reading, writing, or math. School district staff provides training. Every effort is made to match the senior's work preference with each school's needs. Seniors can specify the days and hours they are available to work. Their working hours are then coordinated with school schedules.
What are the benefits of the program?
There are many mutual benefits to the senior exchange program. The school district is able to employ individuals who bring a wealth of work experience and expertise in their respective fields to the classroom. The participants get to know students personally, which leads to a greater understanding of their needs and problems. Seniors also experience the rewards of extending a helping hand to a child. Senior citizens who participate in the program are enthusiastic. Here's what they say:
"I helped a student who didn't like to read. He soon found it fun and exciting."
"If we can impart any of our experience to young people, it's worth doing and tremendously rewarding to see the kids change."
"You can truly help, and can interface one-on-one with kids of this age."
"It's given me a purpose in life. I go out of here happy as a lark."
What is the compensation for the program?
The participating senior receives a paycheck. The hourly pay rate
is based on the minimum wage. The individual's School District 15
portion of his/her property tax bill is used to determine the total
wages they may earn each school year. An average amount is calculated
for those who reside in apartments or live with other family members.
After reaching the total allowed wages, the senior may choose to
continue as a volunteer. Because seniors are part-time employees,
they do not receive insurance or other employment benefits. However,
a $20 (tax free) per month reimbursement is provided to individuals
who have Medicare supplemental insurance.
How can interested individuals apply for the program?
Call the Senior Exchange Coordinator at the Joseph M. Kiszka Educational Service Center, (847) 963-3122. An employment verification form, a criminal background check, state and federal W-4 forms, a child abuse/neglect reporting form, and a negative TB test are required before participation in the program.
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