District 128, Teachers Reach Contract Agreement

Following several months of negotiations, the Community High School District 128 Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a new teacher contract at a special meeting held Wednesday, Aug. 22. The contract, ratified by the teachers’ association Aug. 22, will run from the 2012-13 school year, through the 2014-15 school year.

District 128 Superintendent Dr. Prentiss Lea noted that “the Association, Board and administration worked effectively together to create an excellent agreement that is fair to teachers and taxpayers; allows us to attract, hire and retain a world-class teaching staff; and provides unique ways to recognize and support teacher performance and continuing education.”

The new contract is a three-year agreement providing raises of 3 percent in year one, 2 percent in year two, and 0 percent in year three. Highlights of the contract include an innovative performance recognition bonus for achieving significant student achievement targets, and a partial college tuition reimbursement benefit for approved continuing graduate coursework.

District 128 Board of Education President Pat Groody stated, “Our teachers, administrators and board members put in long hours to tackle some difficult issues in tough economic times. Throughout the process there was great collaboration, open discussion, and a genuine effort to work collectively to do the kind of things we need to do to ensure the long-term success of our district.”

- Community High School District 128 provided this information.