District 88 Board of Education approves extended teacher contract

On Jan. 22, the District 88 Board of Education voted to approve a two-year Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Board of Education and the American Federation of Teachers, Local 571.

The contract will go into effect on July 1, 2018, and will run through June 30, 2020. The agreement is a collaboration between the district’s teachers' association, Board of Education and administration. District 88 Board of Education President Donna Craft Cain said the contract is fair to teachers, while also being responsible with taxpayer resources, and it allows the district to attract, hire and retain a high-quality teaching staff.

In year one (2018-19), the contract will provide a base salary increase of 2 percent, which is 95 percent of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported for the calendar year ending on Dec. 31, 2016.

In year two (2019-20), the contract will provide a base salary increase of 1.8 percent, which is 85 percent of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported for the calendar year ending on Dec. 31, 2017. The agreement also allows for provisions in the event of a property tax freeze to ensure the district can maintain its stable budget.

In both years, step and lane advancement on the schedule will continue, as is the district's normal practice.