Early U-46 agreement gives 3.8 percent raises

Elgin Area School District U-46 teachers would receive 3.8 percent raises and some relief from large class sizes under the tentative agreement between Elgin Area School District U-46 and the Elgin Teachers Association.

The 3.8 percent bump would apply to the 2007-2008 school year, and would be applied on top of any raises that teachers earn for years of experience or educational attainment.

Raises for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 school years would be tied to the rate of inflation.

The agreement, which is awaiting final approval by the school board and the union, would be retroactive to the beginning of the school year.

The tentative agreement establishes a new criteria for providing assistance for excessive class sizes.

At the elementary schools with high concentrations of low-income students, teachers will receive an aide if class sizes swell above 30.

All other elementary classes will receive an aide if class sizes reach 32 students.

Every middle school will be entitled to at least one full-time teaching assistant to address any excessive class sizes.

And every high school will be entitled to at least two full-time assistants.

The tentative contract also calls for an undisclosed increase in the annual sick leave allotment, the establishment of bereavement leave, and a retirement bonus tied to years of service and age of retirement.

Informational meetings for union members have been scheduled for Oct. 1 and Oct. 14.

The ratification vote will occur at school sites on Oct. 15.