Huntley school board approves 2-year teacher contract

The Huntley Community School District 158 school board Wednesday night approved a 2-year teachers contract.

It calls for a raise of about 4 percent on average for certified staff in year one, and a 3.4 percent raise on average in year two. The school board also has agreed to increase its share of rising employee health care costs. Base salary increases will be retroactive to July 1.

The previous contract expired June 30 and included yearly step increases of 3.5 percent for each of the three years of the contract; teachers off the salary schedule received a 2 percent yearly increase.

During negotiations, both sides cited increasing teacher compensation to remain competitive with area districts, including increasing starting salaries, as priorities. They agreed an increase for new teachers was key to attracting and retaining high-quality staff.

"This contract allows us to recognize our high-quality teachers while continuing to provide a great value to our community," said Don Drzal, school board president. "We'll be able to continue moving forward with all of the innovative programs we offer to students, and I'm also confident in our roles as trustees of the public that this is a fiscally responsible contract for our community members."

Unlike in 2008 when teachers went on strike for two days, the district's teachers and 9,600 students returned to classrooms Aug. 26.

It took several mediation sessions for both sides to come to a tentative agreement last week. The teachers union ratified the contract last Thursday.

Officials said they decided to go with a shorter contract to allow flexibility due to uncertainty over future state funding.

"The HEA is pleased to have a contract that reflects growth and adjustments in areas that were important to our members," said Bradley Aney, co-president of the Huntley Education Association, which represents nearly 700 teachers.

Over the past several years, District 158 has established itself as one of the top performing districts in the area while maintaining one of the lowest per-pupil spending rates among K-12 districts in northern Illinois, officials said.

"The high level of achievement we have reached is due largely to the high quality of our staff," Superintendent John Burkey said. "Our staff have proved themselves to be at the forefront of their profession, and we need to recognize that in our collective bargaining agreement."

Officials said the full contract will be made available online after it is signed by union representatives.