U-46, teachers union reach tentative deal on new contract

The Elgin Teachers Association and Elgin Area School District U-46 administration have reached a tentative agreement on a new multiyear contract, though details have not been released.

Negotiations began in January on a new contract for the 2,448 teachers represented by the union. Without divulging details of the tentative agreement, Elgin Teachers Association President Richard Johnson said the deal is good "for everybody involved."

"We are taking steps toward making sure there is no disruption of school (this fall)," Johnson said.

The Elgin Teachers Association's representative assembly meets May 16 to vote on the tentative agreement. If supported by union leaders, the agreement goes before the full membership for a May 24 vote.

Suzanne Johnson, deputy superintendent of instruction, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

In March 2017, the school board granted a one-year extension to the previous three-year contract ensuring classes were not disrupted this school year.

That agreement granted a base salary increase of 0.94 percent with a step increase of 3.1 percent on average - a step increase refers to a teacher's years of experience, while a lane increase refers to a teacher's level of education.

No changes were made to health insurance premiums, which remain at 10 percent for the employees' share, or retirement benefits. The extension expires Aug. 10.

The new deal is expected to consider student placement, safety, teacher workload and compensation, Johnson said.