Tentative contract reached in Kaneland, teachers talks

A tentative agreement has been reached for a new contract for Kaneland teachers.

The district and the teachers union announced the news late Thursday afternoon, after a day of negotiations.

Neither side is releasing terms of the agreement until the Kaneland Education Association membership ratifies it, and the school board approves it.

"Both the Board of Education and KEA worked hard to develop an agreement that meets the needs of our teachers, students, and community without a disruption to the school year. We look forward to working together moving forward," the statement said.

Negotiations began in April, and the old contract expired June 30.

The main issue, according to both district and union officials, was how much to increase salaries. Union officials contended the district paid too little to beginning teachers, and that would interfere with attracting and retaining teachers.

District officials countered the three-year teacher retention rate was similar to neighboring districts.