Why work for District 15?

See Negotiated Agreements for salary schedules and extra duty pay schedules:

• CTC - Classrooms Teachers' Council
• DTU - D15 Transportation Union
• ESPA - Educational Support Personnel Association
• SEIU - Service Employees International Union
• TIE - Therapists in Education Union

• Work day schedules include:
  • Paid Holidays
  • Personal Leave
  • Sick Leave/Catastrophic Illness
  • Vacation Days
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Religious Leave
  • Jury Duty
  • Sabbatical
  • Unpaid Leave of Absences
  • Familiy and Medical Leave
  • Childbirth/Adoption Leave
  • Job Sharing
  • Extra Assignments

(see Negotiated Agreements for specific details)

Health benefit plan options:

CCSD15 offers 5 medical plans through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois:

• Traditional PPO
• High Deductible PPO (HSA-eligibile plan)
• HMO A (HMO of IL)
• HMO B (HMO of IL)
• HMO C (Blue Advantage HMO)

with the following features:

• Option to receive care from in-network or out-of-network providers (for non-HMO plans); higher benefits are paid when using in-network providers BCBS of Illinois.
• Preventive care is covered at 100% when using an in-network provider.
• Includes prescription drug coverage.
• Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums accumulate on a plan year basis from July 1 –June 30.
• If you enroll in the High Deductible PPO, you can open and contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) to help cover some of your medical plan costs (refer to HSA for more information).
• For a comparison of the plans, please refer to the Medical Plans Comparison Chart. Specific benefit levels and limitations can be found in the plan summaries and Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC).

A Note About Health Care Reform

If you choose to purchase individual coverage through the Marketplace, you should know that because CCSD 15’s medical insurance meets specific ACA requirements, you may not be eligible to receive a federal subsidy.

Additional information is available at www.healthcare.gov.

(Available for PPO and HSA only)

Each medical plan includes MDLIVE visits, which provides 24-7-365 access to board-certified primary care doctors and pediatricians by secure video chat or phone. For an illness or injury that is not an emergency, the MDLIVE telemedicine program offers a convenient, cost-effective alternative to hospital emergency rooms and urgent care clinics.

MDLIVEis not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor, but rather provides access to healthcare when reaching the doctor is difficult or inconvenient.

MDLIVE can diagnose, recommend treatment and write prescriptions for minor, non-life-threatening conditions including, but not limited to:

• Allergies
• Arthritic Pain
• Bronchitis
• Cold/Flu
• Ear Infections
• Headaches/Migraines
• Insect Bites
• Sinus Infections
• Nausea/Somach Aches
• Pink Eye
• Skin Infections
• Sore Throat

If enrolled in the Traditional PPO, you can receive medical services at no cost through Zero. Zero can be used for such procedures as labs, MRI’s and physical therapy.

CVS Caremark

When you enroll in a medical plan, you receive comprehensive prescription drug coverage through CVS Caremark. Some medications may be subject to prior authorization, quantity limits or step therapy requirements to be approved for coverage.

There are 3 ways to obtain prescription drugs:

1. Retail pharmacy (up to 34-day supply)
2. Mail order (up to 90-day supply)
3. Specialty pharmacy (30-day supply)

CRX International Pharmacy

Through CRX Pharmacy, you can receive a 90-day supply of brand name maintenance medications at no cost! This program is only available for members enrolled in the Traditional PPO and HMO plans.

GoodRx

Drug prices sometimes vary significantly between pharmacies. GoodRx collects and compares prices for every FDA approved prescription drug at more than 70,000 pharmacies.

CCSD15 offers one dental plan through Delta Dental of IL. Your choice of dentists can determine the cost savings you receive.

In-network providers are paid directly by Delta Dental and agree to accept negotiated fees as “payment in full” for services rendered.
When you use out-of-network providers, Delta Dental will apply the applicable percentage of the allowed amount and you are responsible for paying the balance of the bill.

In-network coverage is provided when you use Delta Dental providers.

Routine eye exams are important for maintaining good vision and can also provide early warning of other health conditions. The VSP vision plan provides coverage for exams, glasses and contact lenses.

In-network coverage is provided when you use VSP providers. To search for providers, log onto www.vsp.com.

Basic Life/AD&D - Reliance Standard

Having appropriate life insurance coverage is a critical part of planning for your family’s current and future financial needs. Proceeds from life insurance can help with salary replacement, mortgage protection, cost of childcare, debt repayment and children’s education expenses.
CCSD15 provides Basic Life insurance coverage. This coverage includes an Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) provision that also pays a benefit in the event of accidental death and certain other conditions. Basic Life and AD&D insurance is administered by Reliance Standard and is paid for by CCSD15. You are automatically enrolled in these benefits.

(According to federal law, only the first $50,000 of employer-paid life insurance is not taxable. Premium paid by CCSD 15 for coverage levels over $50,000 will be taxable to you and will be included on your year-end W-2 statement.)

Voluntary Life/AD&D

As a new hire, you can purchase Voluntary Life insurance for you, your legal spouse and dependent children without providing medical information up to certain guarantee issue (GI) amounts. If you leave the CCSD15 this coverage can be taken with you.

Employee and spouse amounts applied for over the GI as a new hire will require you to provide Evidence of Insurability (EOI) for review and approval by Reliance Standard.

If you elect not to enroll within 30 days of your date of hire, you will still be able to purchase coverage in the future. However, ALL amounts elected will be subject to the EOI requirements provision. At that time, if your EOI is not satisfactory to Reliance Standard you will not have Voluntary Life coverage.

Long-Term Disability - Reliance Standard

CCSD15 offers LTD insurance at no cost to you. Administered by Reliance Standard, you are automatically enrolled in these benefits.

If you were to be out of work due to an injury or illness, could you and your family survive without a paycheck? Disability insurance is essentially “paycheck” insurance, ensuring you will receive a portion of your income if you were out of work due to injury or illness.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow you to set money aside for certain eligible expenses and draw from it throughout the year to pay for those expenses. The money is set aside pre-tax, reducing your taxable income. Three types of FSAs are available:

• Health Care—Not available to HSA participants
  • This FSA allows you to submit eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses for reimbursement
     
• Limited Purpose–HSA participants only
  • Using this in conjuction with an HSA give you the opportunity to save additional pre-tax money on eligible dental and vision expense only
     
• Dependent Care—Available to all benefit eligible employees
  • Used to pay for the costs of dependent care that enable you to work

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings vehicle available to individuals covered by an HSA Plan. Funds in the account are used to pay for qualified medical, dental and vision expenses.

An HSA is a great way to save for the future. You can set aside money from each paycheck now and save funds to cover healthcare expenses that come up later. Plus, your contributions are free from federal income tax, so you’re stretching your healthcare dollars while lowering your taxable take-home pay.

HSA funds can only be used for yourself, your spouse and your taxable dependents. Expenses for other dependents who do not qualify as tax dependents are not reimbursable under the HSA.

Advantages of an HSA

• Balance rolls over each year so you won’t lose your contributions
• Triple tax savings —you do not pay federal tax* on:
  • Contributions to the account
  • Spending on qualified expenses
  • Interest that accrues
• Account is portable, so the funds are yours even if you change medical plans next year or leave CCSD15
• Use the funds (now or in the future) for eligible medical, dental or vision expenses, including coinsurance costs, prescriptions, glasses, orthodontia and more
• Money left in the savings account earns tax-free interest*

*Tax treatment of HSAs for state tax purposes may vary by state.

IMRF

IMRF has provided employees of local governments and school districts in Illinois (with the exception of the City of Chicago and Cook County) with a sound and efficient system for the payment of retirement, disability, and death benefits.

IMRF is a defined benefit plan that provides a lifetime of income protection. IMRF benefits include:

• Retirement benefits
  With enough time and service credit, you can become eligible for an IMRF pension. You never outlive your IMRF pension—it is payable for life.
   
• Disability
  Your IMRF benefits include disability protection if you become disabled. IMRF provides two types of disability benefits: temporary, and total and permanent.
   
• Death benefits
  IMRF provides certain benefits to your beneficiaries if you pass away.

The Illinois Pension Code requires all IMRF employers with a website must include a link to the IMRF Employer Cost & Participation Information web page, no later than January 1 each year.

TRS

Founded in 1939 by the Illinois General Assembly, the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is one of the largest pension systems in the United States, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to teachers, administrators and other public-school personnel employed outside the city of Chicago.

All District employees (even part-time employees and subs) are eligible to participate in a traditional 403(b), Roth 403(b), and/or 457(b) plan.

As an employee of an educational institution, you are eligible to participate in a tax-deductible, tax-deferred savings plan for retirement. A 403(b) plan allows you to make contributions to one of the District's pre-approved companies through payroll deduction. Your contributions will not be included in your current taxable income, nor will you currently pay income taxes on the interest earned in your 403(b) plan.

Under a Roth 403(b) plan, contributions are made on an after-tax basis; earnings can be withdrawn tax-free as long as withdrawals are made after age 59½ and after the account has been in existence for at least 5 years. We currently offer Roth 403(b) plans through two vendors.

The Fitness Program

The Fitness Program offers flexible options to get in shape and stay active. Choose from a network of gyms offering tiered pricing that fits your budget and lifestyle. This program also includes pay-as-you-go classes. You can use the mobile app to find high intensity or yoga workouts.  Save even more by bundling family members under one account.

The Fitness Program* offers four flexible gym options from $19 to $99, convenience and access to a nationwide network of participating facilities, so members can work out whether traveling, at home or at work:

• Members can select a plan option that best suits their lifestyle based on location and facility access.
   
• Once they join, they’ll have access to all locations within the purchased plan as well as locations in any of the lower-priced plan options.
   
• Thousands of digital fitness videos and live classes, including cardio, bootcamp, barre, yoga and more are available through an online platform. Digital access is included with Base, Core, Power and Elite memberships.

Wondr-digital weight loss program

CCSD15 is offering access to Wondr™ — a digital weight loss program — available at no cost to you.*

Wondr goes beyond diet fads to teach you science-based skills that will help you lose weight and improve your overall health—without giving up the foods you love. Jump-start your year with Wondr.

*Employees, spouses and covered dependents age 18 and over enrolled on the BCBSIL medical plan are eligible to apply to the program.

The Employee Assistance Program (through ACI Specialty Benefits) helps staff manage the stresses of everyday life or even work-related concerns. The EAP provides a range of free services including legal consultation, child care and elder care referrals, financial consultation, pet care consultation ... just to name a few. This confidential service is designed to help staff with any issue affecting overall health, well-being, and life management.  

• BenefitHub—Exclusive access to amazing discounts and cash back offers on thousands of brands you love, including travel, auto, electronics, apparel, entertainment, restaurants, health & wellness, and beauty & spa.
• CTA/Ventra Transit—CCSD15 staff members have the option to contribute up to $255 of pre-tax income per month to a Commuter FSA account.
• Identity theft protection—Identity Theft Protection through InfoArmor Identity Protection is a FREE benefit for staff members.
• Travel assistance—Through group coverage with Reliance Standard, you automatically receive travel assistance services administered by On Call International (On Call). On Call is a 24-hour, toll-free service that provides a comprehensive range of information, referral, coordination and arrangement services designed to respond to most medical care situations and many other emergencies you may encounter when you travel. Pre-trip assistance, emergency medical transportation, emergency personal services, medical referrals for local physicians/dentists, medical case monitoring, prescription assistance and eyeglass replacement, among many more!
• AAA—Join AAA for free for one year.
• INSPYR Studios—Strength, cycle, pilates, and barre--get 4 classes at a discount.

Voluntary accident insurance offered through Transamerica

Accident benefits make accidents less painful financially. When you are injured, accident benefits pay benefits over and above what your medical plan may pay. These benefits are important because accidents happen out of the blue with no time to prepare for the associated medical costs. Your employer offers accident benefits for you to consider for your peace of mind in the result of an accident.

Voluntary critical illness insurance offered through Transamerica

Critical Illness insurance is designed to come to the rescue of those budget-conscious families by helping pay the costs associated with the initial occurrence of cancer, heart attack, stroke, or other serious illness as defined in the policy. You choose your benefit amount. Benefits are also available for your spouse and eligible children.

Hospital Indemnity Plan offered through Transamerica

Transamerica’s Hospital Indemnity plan can complement your health insurance to help you pay for the costs associated with a hospital stay. It can also provide funds that can be used to help pay the out-of-pocket expenses your medical plan may not cover, such as co-insurance, copays, and deductibles. This plan also allows you to continue coverage even if your employment ends or when the policy is terminated and not being replaced.

Universal Life Insurance offered through Transamerica

There is no way to know what will happen tomorrow. But there is a way to help ensure you are protected against the unexpected. Transamerica's universal life insurance can help meet your family's future financial needs in the event of your premature passing. Prudent financial planning can help protect your family's future, offering them greater peace of mind.

You are eligible for CCSD15 benefits if you are an active full-time employee working 30 or more hours per week.

Your dependents are eligible if they are:

• Your legal spouse
• Your civil union spouse as defined by state law
• Your child(ren)* up to age 26
• Your disabled child(ren) up to any age (if disabled prior to age 19)*

* Includes natural, step, legally adopted/or a child placed for adoption, or a child under your legal guardianship.

When Can I Enroll in Benefits?

You can enroll for benefits:

• Within 30 days of first becoming eligible for benefits
• During the annual Open Enrollment period
• During the plan year, if you experience a Qualifying Life Event

When Does Coverage Begin?

Benefits for new hires, unless explained otherwise, will become effective on your start date.

Mentor Program--for both new and experienced administrators and teachers

A maximum of $15,000 can be approved toward tuition reimbursement for Principals as well as District Level Administrators at the Director Level or above. The reimbursement agreement is for administrators enrolled in a doctoral program. 

Cabinet-level administrators who have previously completed a doctoral program, prior to employment in D15, may also apply for tuition reimbursement of $15,000 for additional endorsements with the approval of the superintendent. 

Other D15 administrators (administrator is defined under Board Policy as a certified employee filling a position which requires an administrative license) who do not qualify for the Administrator Tuition Doctoral Reimbursement, can be reimbursed for tuition as described in the CTC 2016-2026 Negotiated Agreement (outlined on pages 45, 82, and 85).

Procedures (including timelines and forms) outlined in the CTC Negotiated Agreement will be applicable.

Are you looking for a new opportunity to hone your teaching practices and gain better insight into your effectiveness as a teacher? The National Board certification program was designed to “develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide” and is the most respected professional certification program for K-12 educators in the US. CCSD15 values the impact NB certification has on student growth and achievement and provides a $2,500 yearly stipend to support teachers seeking to improve their craft. If you are interested in pursuing this more, please review the opportunities below and talk with your building administration as they will be able to put you in touch with a number of teachers who have been through the program and would love to share their experience with you.

The National Board Resource Center (NBRC) at Illinois State University is inviting eligible Illinois National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) from hard-to-staff schools (no less than 30% of student enrollment is considered low-income as reported on the Report Card) to apply for a $4,000 per year rentention incentive, which may be received for two consecutive years.

WGU is offering the new Education Support Professionals Scholarship program worth up to $5,000 for Paraprofessionals who are currently working in our schools and are dedicated to becoming a teacher and making a positive impact in students’ lives.

This scholarship is needs-based and is not restricted to academic achievement, making it a valuable opportunity for Paraprofessionals to pursue their teaching degrees and become licensed teachers in any of the 50 states (a feature unique to only WGU). The Education Support Professional Scholarship is available for a limited time only, so now is the perfect time for Paraprofessionals to take advantage of this opportunity.

As the largest teacher education institution in the nation, WGU is committed to supporting the education and professional development of Paraprofessionals. Please don't hesitate to reach out to them if you have any questions or if you need any additional information. Visit their website for additional information: www.wgu.edu/parascholarship.

Each summer, the College of DuPage hosts a GenCyber Teacher program which is grant funded and provides a stipend, transportation, lunch daily, and a Chromebook. The GenCyber Teacher program is designed for teachers who are passionate about promoting cybersecurity and online safety. The program is taught by faculty from the Computer and Information Technology (CIT) Department and the Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI).

Explore GenCyber Cybersecurity Concepts and concepts of digital citizenship through hands-on activities and discussions. Through the program, develop curriculum modules covering safe online behavior and cybersecurity concepts to share in your classroom.

• TeachersFirst has partnered with the Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEAIL) to provide high quality, free professional learning aligned with the ISTE standards to teachers in the state of Illinois. These spring workshops are free to participants and cover a variety of topics with technology integration built in.
• Professional Development opportunities on early release Fridays
• Summary Voluntary PD opportunities for certified staff.

CCSD15 has partnered with National Louis University with their Alternative Licensure Program. This program allows those who are interested in starting a career in teaching to do so while you earn your academic credentials. Please reach out to the University to get more information on the program. 

Certified Staff

• Staff Institute Days (Sept & May)
• Friday early release time
• New Teacher Induction Program--currently consisting of four days of orientation and ongoing training workshops throughout the school year, is provided for all teachers new to the district

Transportation Staff

• New Driver Training
• New Aide Training
• Annual Safety Refresher Course
• Professional Development
• Mentoring Program
• Physicals

SEIU

• Uniforms
• Stipends
• Training Courses and Career Development
• Mechanics Tools

ESPA

School District 15 appreciates all employees and the work they do for children. Events are held each year to recognize those efforts to provide quality education. Some of these events include:

• Above and Beyond Awards
• Annual retiree recognition & celebrations
• American Education Week celebrations

Administrators also work with staff members to help them gain national and regional recognition through a variety of programs:

• U.S. Department of Education RISE Award (Mario Diaz Albarran, Lincoln School named National winner)
• U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award (2021 Walter R. Sundling Junior High School)
• Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Bilingual Education Award
• Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Exemplary Rating (Thomas Jefferson Elementary)
• Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Those Who Excel Awards
• National Board Certification for Teachers
• Golden Apple Excellence in Leadership Award
• Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program
• Kohl/McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award
• Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) (Winston Campus Junior High 2023 School of Distinction Award)
• Illinois School Horizon to Watch (IHSTW) (Winston Campus Junior High)
• Best Communities for Music Education Award (Walter R. Sundling Junior High 2024)
• National PTA Schools of Excellence Awards
• Innovative CTO Award (MJ Warden, Chief Technoogy Officer)
• Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) Golden Achievement Award for Community Engagement
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) recognizes all 20 District 15 schools as Platinum Level Schools

The one-five Foundation offers an annual mini-grant program open to staff members of District 15. These grants can support a wide range of opportunities for the students of the District. For examples of previous mini-grant winners or for more information, visit www.one-five.org/teacher-mini-grants.